Frank G. DeLisi III Named Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Park Hospital

Business Wire, Sept 15, 2005

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Merit Health Systems, LLC (Merit), a Louisville, Kentucky-based private hospital management company, announced today that Frank G. DeLisi, III has been named Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Park Hospital ("Lincoln Park") in Chicago, Illinois, effective September 21, 2005. Mr. DeLisi replaces John A. Fromhold, Merit's Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, who has served as interim Chief Executive Officer since June 2005.

"We are delighted to have Frank aboard at Lincoln Park to continue to expand our support of the increasing health care needs of the north side of Chicago," said Tyree G. Wilburn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Merit. "Frank brings 20-years of health care experience in full service acute care and rehabilitation hospitals. His proven track record in operations management, program development, performance improvement, and customer service make him a great fit for the hospital."

Prior to joining Merit, Mr. DeLisi was Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, an affiliate site of the Drexel University School of Medicine which has been recognized for clinical excellence by US News and World Report. Prior to this position, Mr. DeLisi served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Suburban General Hospital in Pittsburgh. His career also includes experience as Chief Executive Officer of several HealthSouth rehabilitation hospitals in Pennsylvania and Kentucky.

Mr. DeLisi has Bachelor of Science and Master of Health Care Administration degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. He holds a CHE certification as a board-certified health care executive from the American College of Health Care Executives.

Merit acquired Lincoln Park Hospital in August 2002. The 200 bed, full service hospital, formerly Grant Hospital, has served the Lincoln Park community for more than 120 years. The hospital is currently undergoing a $15 million revitalization and is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

About Merit Health Systems:

Merit Health Systems is a private hospital management company which owns and operates community hospitals in primary and secondary urban markets. For more information, please visit www.merithealth.com.

For more information about Lincoln Park Hospital, please visit www.lincolnparkhospital.com.