Document:

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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

                           PROVINCE HEALTHCARE COMPANY
                          EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

         THIS EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is entered into as of
this 7th day of July, 2004, by and between Province Healthcare Company (the
"Company") and STEVEN BRUMFIELD ("Employee").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS, Employee is employed as Vice President & Controller of the
Company; and

         WHEREAS, the Company desires to provide certain severance payments to
Employee in the event that Employee's employment with the Company is terminated
without cause or in connection with a change in control of the Company;

         NOW, THEREFORE, based upon the premises set forth herein and for other
good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby
acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

                             ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS

         Terms used in this Agreement that are defined are indicated by initial
capitalization of the term. References to an "Article" or a "Section" mean an
article or a section of this Agreement. In addition to those terms that are
specifically defined herein, the following terms are defined for purposes
hereof:

         "Administrator" means a committee consisting of the Company's chief
executive officer, the secretary of the Company, the vice president of human
resources, and any other individuals appointed by the chief executive officer.
The Administrator may delegate any of its duties or authorities to any person or
entity. If a Change in Control occurs, as described in this Agreement, the
Administrator shall be the committee of individuals who were committee members
immediately prior to the Change in Control.

         "Benefit" means the benefits described in Article II and Article III.

         "Change in Control" means a transaction or circumstance in which any of
the following have occurred:

         (a) any "person" as such term is used in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of
the Exchange Act, other than the Company or a wholly-owned Subsidiary thereof or
any employee benefit plan of the Company, becomes the "beneficial owner" (as
defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of
the Company representing more than 50% of the total voting power represented by
the Company's then outstanding Voting Securities (as defined below), or

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         (b) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the
beginning of such period constitute the Board and any new director whose
election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders
was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in
office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose
election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any
reason to constitute a majority thereof, or

         (c) the shareholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation
of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation
which would result in the Voting Securities (i.e., any securities of the entity
which vote generally in the election of its directors) of the Company
outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by
remaining outstanding or by being converted into Voting Securities of the
surviving entity) more than 50% of the total voting power represented by the
Voting Securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding
immediately after such merger or consolidation, or

         (d) the shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete
liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the
Company of all or substantially all of its assets.

         "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

         "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.

         "Subsidiary" means any subsidiary of the Company or of any of its
subsidiaries.

                ARTICLE II. CHANGE IN CONTROL TERMINATION PAYMENT

SECTION 2.1 BENEFITS ON TERMINATION.

         (a) Amount. Subject to the conditions, limitations and adjustments that
are provided for herein, the Company will provide Benefits to Employee equal to
the sum of the amounts described below if, within the 24 month period following
a Change in Control, Employee's employment with the Company terminates for any
reason:

         (1)      An amount equal to 100% of the Employee's annual base
                  compensation determined by reference to his base salary in
                  effect at the time of Change in Control.

         (2)      An amount equal to 100% of the highest annual bonus that
                  Employee would be eligible to receive during the fiscal year
                  ending during which the Change in Control occurs.

         (3)      For a period of 12 months, participation in medical, life,
                  disability and similar benefit plans that are offered to
                  similarly situated employees of the Company immediately prior
                  to the applicable Change in Control for the Eligible Employee

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                  and his dependents. Such participation may be pursuant to the
                  continuation coverage rights of Eligible Employees pursuant to
                  Part 6 of Title I of ERISA ("COBRA") or the Company may
                  provide such benefits directly through the purchase of
                  insurance or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
                  period for participation in a self-funded medical plan
                  pursuant to this paragraph 3 shall not exceed the maximum
                  period of continuation coverage provided under COBRA. If
                  benefits are provided pursuant to COBRA continuation rights,
                  the Company shall pay a cash amount to the Eligible Employee
                  at the time of severance that is sufficient to cover all
                  premiums required for such COBRA coverage under the
                  appropriate benefit plans.

         (4)      For a period of 12 months, participation in general and
                  executive fringe benefits offered to similarly situated
                  executive employees immediately prior to the applicable Change
                  in Control.

         (5)      Upon the effective date of any Change in Control, any stock
                  purchase options held by Employee pursuant to any qualified or
                  nonqualified Company option plan shall immediately vest and
                  become exercisable in accordance with the applicable plan. The
                  provisions of this Section 2.1 shall supersede any contrary
                  provisions of any other agreement by and between the parties
                  hereto, now existing or hereafter created, unless the
                  provisions of this Section 2.1 shall be referred to
                  specifically therein and modified, amended or waived by both
                  parties hereto.

         (b) Adjustments to the Amount of Benefit. Notwithstanding anything
herein to the contrary, the amounts due to Employee under Section 2.1(a) shall
be adjusted in accordance with Section 2.2 if any payment provided to Employee
is determined to be subject to the excise tax described in section 4999 of the
Code.

         (c) Time for Payment; Interest. The cash Benefits payable made under
this Section 2.1 shall be paid to Employee in a single lump sum within ten days
following the date of termination. The Company's obligation to pay to Employee
any amounts under this Section 2.1 will bear interest at the lesser of (i) 10%
or (ii) the maximum rate allowed by law until paid by the Company, and all
accrued and unpaid interest will bear interest at the same rate, all of which
interest will be compounded annually.

         2.2 BENEFIT ADJUSTMENTS.

         (a) Gross Up Payment. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined that any payment or
distribution by or on behalf of the Company to or for the benefit of Employee as
a result of a "change in control," as defined in section 280G of the Code,
whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement or otherwise, but determined without regard to any additional
payments required under this Section, (a "Payment") would be subject to the
excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties are
incurred by Employee with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together
with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to
as the "Excise Tax"), then Employee shall be entitled to receive an additional
payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that after payment by Employee
of all taxes (including any interest or

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penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation,
any income taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto)
and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, Employee retains an amount of
the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.

         (b) Tax Opinion. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.2(c), all
determinations required to be made under this Section 2.2, including whether and
when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and
the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made
by a nationally recognized accounting firm or law firm selected by the Company
(the "Tax Firm"); provided, however, that the Tax Firm shall not determine that
no Excise Tax is payable by Employee unless it delivers to Employee a written
opinion (the "Tax Opinion") that failure to pay the Excise Tax and to report the
Excise Tax and the payments potentially subject thereto on or with Employee's
applicable federal income tax return will not result in the imposition of an
accuracy-related or other penalty on Employee. All fees and expenses of the Tax
Firm shall be borne solely by the Company. Within 15 business days of the
receipt of notice from Employee that there has been a Payment, or such earlier
time as is requested by the Company, the Tax Firm shall make all determinations
required under this Section, shall provide to the Company and Employee a written
report setting forth such determinations, together with detailed supporting
calculations, and, if the Tax Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable,
shall deliver the Tax Opinion to Employee. Any Gross-Up Payment, as determined
pursuant to this Section, shall be paid by the Company to Employee within
fifteen days of the receipt of the Tax Firm's determination. Subject to the
remainder of this Section 2.2, any determination by the Tax Firm shall be
binding upon the Company and Employee; provided, however, that Employee shall
only be bound to the extent that the determinations of the Tax Firm hereunder,
including the determinations made in the Tax Opinion, are reasonable and
reasonably supported by applicable law. As a result of the uncertainty in the
application of section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination
by the Tax Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not
have been made by the Company should have been made ("Underpayment"), consistent
with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that it is
ultimately determined in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section
2.2(c) that Employee is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Tax
Firm shall reasonably determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred
and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the
benefit of Employee. In determining the reasonableness of Tax Firm's
determinations hereunder, and the effect thereof, Employee shall be provided a
reasonable opportunity to review such determinations with Tax Firm and
Employee's tax counsel. Tax Firm's determinations hereunder, and the Tax
Opinion, shall not be deemed reasonable until Employee's reasonable objections
and comments thereto have been satisfactorily accommodated by Tax Firm.

         (c) Notice of IRS Claim. Employee shall notify the Company in writing
of any claims by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require
the payment by the Company of the Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be
given as soon as practicable but no later than 30 calendar days after Employee
actually receives notice in writing of such claim and shall apprise the Company
of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be
paid; provided, however, that the failure of Employee to notify the Company of
such claim (or to provide any required information with respect thereto) shall
not affect any rights granted to Employee under this Section 2.2 except to the
extent that the Company is materially prejudiced in the defense of such claim as
a direct result of such failure. Employee shall not pay such claim prior to the
expiration of

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the 30-day period following the date on which he gives such notice to the
Company (or such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes
with respect to such claim is due). If the Company notifies Employee in writing
prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim,
Employee shall do all of the following:

         (1)      give the Company any information reasonably requested by the
                  Company relating to such claim;

         (2)      take such action in connection with contesting such claim as
                  the Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to
                  time, including, without limitation, accepting legal
                  representation with respect to such claim by an attorney
                  selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Employee;

         (3)      cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively
                  to contest such claim;

         (4)      if the Company elects not to assume and control the defense of
                  such claim, permit the Company to participate in any
                  proceedings relating to such claim;

provided, however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and
expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection
with such contest and shall indemnify and hold Employee harmless, on an
after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest and
penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of such representation and
payment of costs and expenses. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this
Section 2.2, the Company shall have the right, at its sole option, to assume the
defense of and control all proceedings in connection with such contest, in which
case it may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals, proceedings,
hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim and
may either direct Employee to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or
contest the claim in any permissible manner, and Employee agrees to prosecute
such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court
of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company
shall determine; provided, however, that if the Company directs Employee to pay
such claim and sue for a refund, the Company shall advance the amount of such
payment to Employee, on an interest-free basis and shall indemnify and hold
Employee harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax
(including interest or penalties with respect thereto) imposed with respect to
such advance or with respect to any imputed income with respect to such advance;
and further provided that any extension of the statute of limitations relating
to payment of taxes for the taxable year of Employee with respect to which such
contested amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested
amount. Furthermore, the Company's right to assume the defense of and control
the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment
would be payable hereunder and Employee shall be entitled to settle or contest,
as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or
any other taxing authority.

         (d) Right to Tax Refund. If, after the receipt by Employee of an amount
advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 2.2 Employee becomes entitled to
receive any refund with respect to such claim, Employee shall (subject to the
Company's complying with the requirements of Section 2.2(c)) promptly pay to the
Company the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited
thereon after taxes applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by Employee of an
amount

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advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 2.2(c), a determination is made that
Employee is not entitled to a refund with respect to such claim and the Company
does not notify Employee in writing of its intent to contest such denial of
refund prior to the expiration of 30 days after such determination, then such
advance shall, to the extent of such denial, be forgiven and shall not be
required to be repaid and the amount of forgiven advance shall offset, to the
extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid.

               ARTICLE III. PAYMENT UPON TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE

         SECTION 3.1 BENEFITS ON TERMINATION.

         (a) Amount. Subject to the conditions, limitations and adjustments that
are provided for herein, in the absence of a Change in Control, and in the event
Employee's employment is terminated either by the Company without cause or by
the Employee with cause, as described below, Employee shall be entitled to
receive an amount equal to 100% of the Employee's annual base compensation
determined by reference to his or her base salary in effect at the time of
termination.

         (1) By Company Without Cause. Termination of employment by the Company
without cause shall occur if the Company provides oral or written notice to
Employee of involuntary termination that is not on account of just cause. For
this purpose, termination for "just cause" will only occur upon written notice
to Employee that employment is involuntarily terminated due to any of the
following:

         (i)      conviction of Employee for a crime involving fraud, dishonesty
                  or theft, or of any felony which, in the reasonable judgment
                  of the Board, materially affects Employee's ability to perform
                  his duties pursuant to this Agreement;

         (ii)     commission by Employee of an act of fraud, embezzlement, or
                  material dishonesty against the Company or its affiliates; or

         (iii)    intentional neglect of or material inattention to Employee's
                  duties, which neglect or inattention remains uncorrected for
                  more than 30 days following written notice from the chief
                  executive officer of the Company detailing the Company's
                  concern.

         (2) By Employee With Cause. Termination of employment by Employee with
cause shall occur if Employee terminates employment for any of the following
reasons:

         (i)      A material adverse alteration in Employee's position,
                  responsibilities or status.

         (ii)     A reduction in Employee's base compensation or a substantial
                  reduction in the benefits provided to Employee.

         (iii)    Relocation of Employee by the Company to a location that is
                  more than 35 miles from the Employee's current workplace.

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         (iv)     The material breach of the Company of any portion of its
                  employment policies and/or any employment agreement with
                  Employee.

         (b) Adjustments to the Amount of Benefit. Notwithstanding anything
herein to the contrary, the amounts due to Employee under Section 3.1(a) shall
be adjusted in accordance with Section 2.2 of this Agreement if any payment
provided to Employee is determined to be subject to the excise tax described in
section 4999 of the Code.

         (c) Time for Payment; Interest. The cash Benefits payable made under
this Section 3.1 shall be paid to Employee in a single lump sum within ten days
following the date of termination. The Company's obligation to pay to Employee
any amounts under this Section 3.1 will bear interest at the lesser of (i) 10%
or (ii) the maximum rate allowed by law until paid by the Company, and all
accrued and unpaid interest will bear interest at the same rate, all of which
interest will be compounded annually.

         SECTION 3.2 COMPETITION.

         (a) Agreement Not to Compete. Employee agrees that, for a period of 12
months after the termination of his employment as described in Section 3.1(a),
he will not:

         (i)      directly or indirectly, own, manage, control, participate in,
                  consult with or render services for (i) any business, the
                  operating facilities of which compete with the operating
                  facilities of the Company or its Subsidiaries within the
                  geographical area included in the 50-mile radius around each
                  location where the Company or any Subsidiary owns, leases,
                  manages or otherwise maintains an operating facility, engages
                  in business or, on the date of Employee's termination, plans
                  to own, lease, manage or otherwise maintain a facility or
                  engage in business, or (ii) any business in which the Company
                  or any of its Subsidiaries has entered into a letter of intent
                  or is or has been within one year prior to the date of
                  termination of Employee's employment in active negotiations
                  relating to the acquisition of such business by the Company or
                  its Subsidiaries; or

         (ii)     interfere with, disrupt or attempt to disrupt any present or
                  prospective relationship, contractual or otherwise, between
                  the Company and any customer, supplier or employee of the
                  Company.

         (b) Remedies. Employee agrees and acknowledges that the violation by
Employee of the agreements contained in this Section 3.2 would cause irreparable
injury to the Company and that the remedy at law for any violation or threatened
violation thereof by him would be inadequate and that the Company shall be
entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief or other equitable relief
without the necessity of proving actual damages.

                           ARTICLE IV. ADMINISTRATION

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         SECTION 4.1. The provisions of this Agreement are intended to provide
severance benefits and protection to Employee. The Administrator has absolute
discretion to interpret the terms of this Agreement and to make all
determinations required in the administration hereof, including making
determinations about eligibility for and the amounts of Benefits. All decisions
of the Administrator are final, binding and conclusive on all parties.

         SECTION 4.2. Benefits can only be denied or forfeited if Employee does
not satisfy the conditions for receiving payment that are described herein or if
the Company validly amends the Agreement as described in Section 5.4.

         SECTION 4.3. If Employee's claim for Benefits is denied, the
Administrator will furnish written notice of denial to Employee within 90 days
of the date the claim is received, unless special circumstances require an
extension of time for processing the claim. This extension will not exceed 90
days, and Employee must receive written notice stating the grounds for the
extension and the length of the extension within the initial 90-day review
period. If the Administrator does not provide written notice, Employee may deem
the claim denied and seek review according to the appeals procedures set forth
below.

         (a)      Notice of Denial. The notice of denial to the Claimant shall
                  state:

         (1)      The specific reasons for the denial.

         (2)      Specific references to pertinent provisions of the Agreement
                  on which the denial was based.

         (3)      A description of any additional material or information needed
                  for Employee to perfect his claim and an explanation of why
                  the material or information is needed.

         (4)      A statement that Employee may request a review upon written
                  application to the Administrator, review pertinent documents,
                  and submit issues and comments in writing and that any appeal
                  that Employee wishes to make of the adverse determination must
                  be in writing to the Administrator within 60 days after
                  Employee receives notice of denial of benefits.

         (5)      The name and address of the Administrator to which Employee
                  may forward an appeal. The notice may state that failure to
                  appeal the action to the Administrator in writing within the
                  60-day period will render the determination final, binding and
                  conclusive.

         (b) Appeals Procedure. If Employee appeals to the Administrator,
Employee or his authorized representative may submit in writing whatever issues
and comments he believes to be pertinent. The Administrator shall reexamine all
facts related to the appeal and make a final determination of whether the denial
of benefits is justified under the circumstances. The Administrator shall advise
Employee in writing of:

         (1)      The Administrator's decision on appeal.

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         (2)      The specific reasons for the decision.

         (3)      The specific provisions of the Agreement on which the decision
                  is based.

         Notice of the Administrator's decision shall be given within 60 days of
the Claimant's written request for review, unless additional time is required
due to special circumstances. In no event shall the Administrator render a
decision on an appeal later than 120 days after receiving a request for a
review.

                            ARTICLE V. GENERAL TERMS

         SECTION 5.1 NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder
will be in writing or by written telecommunication, and will be deemed to have
been duly given if delivered personally or if sent by overnight courier or by
written telecommunication, to the relevant address set forth below, or to such
other address as the recipient of such notice or communication will have
specified to the other party hereto in accordance with this Section:

         If to the Company to:

         Province Healthcare Company
         105 Westwood Place, Suite 400
         Brentwood, Tennessee 37027
         Attn: Howard T. Wall, III,
               Senior Vice President and General Counsel

         If to Employee, to:

         Steven Brumfield
         Province Healthcare Company
         105 Westwood Place, Suite 400
         Brentwood, TN  37027

         SECTION 5.2 WITHHOLDING; NO OFFSET. All payments required to be made by
the Company under this Agreement to Employee will be subject to the withholding
of such amounts, if any, relating to federal, state and local taxes as may be
required by law. No payment under this Agreement will be subject to offset or
reduction attributable to any amount Employee may owe to the Company or any
other person, except as required by law.

         SECTION 5.3 ERISA RIGHTS AND INFORMATION. Attached hereto as Appendix A
is a description of certain ERISA rights and other information applicable to
this Agreement.

         SECTION 5.4 ENTIRE AGREEMENT; MODIFICATION. This Agreement and its
attachments constitute the complete and entire agreement between the parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements
between the parties. The parties have executed this

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Agreement based upon the express terms and provisions set forth herein and have
not relied on any communications or representations, oral or written, which are
not set forth in this Agreement.

         SECTION 5.5 AMENDMENT. This Agreement may not be modified by an
subsequent agreement unless the modifying agreement: (i) is in writing; (ii)
contains an express provision referencing this Agreement; (iii) is signed and
executed on behalf of the Company by an officer of the Company other than
Employee; and (v) is signed by Employee.

         SECTION 5.6 CHOICE OF LAW. This Agreement and the performance hereof
will be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of
Tennessee, without regard to its choice of law principles, except to the extent
that federal law controls or preempts state law.

         SECTION 5.7 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. The obligations, duties and
responsibilities of Employee under this Agreement are personal and shall not be
assignable. In the event of Employee's death or disability, this Agreement shall
be enforceable by Employee's estate, executors or legal representatives. The
obligations, duties and responsibilities of Company hereunder shall be binding
upon any successor of the Company (whether through a transaction described as a
Change in Control or otherwise).

         SECTION 5.8 WAIVER OF PROVISIONS. Any waiver of any terms and
conditions hereof must be in writing and signed by the parties hereto. The
waiver of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall not be
construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other terms
and conditions hereof.

         SECTION 5.9 SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Agreement and the
amount of Benefits payable hereunder shall be deemed severable, and if any
portion shall be held invalid, illegal or enforceable for any reason, the
remainder of this Agreement and/or Benefit payment shall be effective and
binding upon the parties.

         SECTION 5.10 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in multiple
counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, and all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Company and Employee have caused this Agreement to
be executed on the day and year indicated below to be effective on the day and
year first written above.

EMPLOYEE:

/s/  Steven Brumfield                            July 30, 2004
---------------------------------                -------------------------------
STEVEN BRUMFIELD                                 Date

COMPANY:

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PROVINCE HEALTHCARE COMPANY

By: /s/  Martin S. Rash
    ------------------------------------          ------------------------------
    Martin S. Rash                                Date
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

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                                                                      APPENDIX A

                          ERISA RIGHTS AND INFORMATION

         The parties acknowledge that the following information is provided to
Employee hereunder in connection with Employee's rights as a welfare plan
participant under ERISA. The terms "you" and "yours" refer to Employee.

         As a participant in a welfare plan maintained by the Company, you are
entitled to certain rights and protections under ERISA. ERISA provides that all
plan participants shall be entitled to:

o        Examine, without charge, at the Administrator's office and at other
         specified locations, all plan documents, including insurance contracts,
         and copies of all documents filed by the plan with the U.S. Department
         of Labor, such as detailed annual reports and plan descriptions.

o        Obtain copies of all plan documents and other plan information upon
         written request to the Administrator. The Administrator may make a
         reasonable charge for the copies.

o        Receive a summary of the plan's annual financial report. The
         Administrator is required by law to furnish each participant with a
         copy of this summary annual report.

         In addition to creating rights for plan participants, ERISA imposes
duties upon the people who are responsible for the operation of the employee
benefit plan. The people who operate your plan, called "fiduciaries" of the
plan, have a duty to do so prudently and in the interest of you and other plan
participants and beneficiaries. No one, including the Company or any other
person, may fire you or otherwise discriminate against you in any way to prevent
you from obtaining a benefit under this plan or from exercising your rights
under ERISA.

         If a claim for a Benefit is denied in whole or in part, you must
receive a written explanation of the reason for the denial. You have the right
to have the Administrator review and reconsider your claim.

         Under ERISA, there are steps you can take to enforce the above rights.
For instance, if you request materials from the plan and do not receive them
within 30 days, you may file suit in a federal court. In such a case, the court
may require the Administrator to provide the materials and pay you up to $100 a
day until you receive the materials, unless the materials were not sent because
of reasons beyond the control of the Administrator.

         If you have a claim for benefits that is denied or ignored, in whole or
in part, you may file suit in a state or federal court. If it should happen that
plan fiduciaries misuse the plan's money or if you are discriminated against for
asserting your rights, you may seek assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor
or you may file suit in a federal court. The court will decide who should pay
court costs and fees. If you lose, the court may order you to pay these costs
and fees, for example, if it finds your claim is frivolous.

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         If you have any questions about your plan, you should contact the
Administrator. If you have any questions about this statement or about your
rights under ERISA, you should contact the nearest Area Office of the U.S.
Labor-Management Services Administration, Department of Labor.

                          SUMMARY OF ERISA INFORMATION

Name of Plan: Province Healthcare Company Executive Severance Plan

Name and Address of the Company:

       Province Healthcare Company
       105 Westwood Place, Suite 400
       Brentwood, Tennessee 37027

Who Pays for the Plan:  The cost of the plan is paid entirely by the Company.

The Company's Employer Identification No.: 62-1710772

Plan Number: 599

Plan Year: January 1 to December 31

Plan Administrator, Name, Address and Telephone No.:

       Administrator of the Province Healthcare Company Executive Severance Plan
       c/o _____________
       Province Healthcare Company
       105 Westwood Place, Suite 400
       Brentwood, Tennessee 37027
       (615) 370-1377

Agent for Service of Legal Process on the Plan: Chief Executive Officer or
Administrator.

Benefits are paid out of the general assets of the Company. The Company may, in
its discretion establish a "grantor trust" to fund the payment of Benefits.
Otherwise, this plan does not give you any rights to any particular assets of
the Company. Cash amounts paid under a severance plan are generally considered
taxable income to the recipient.

                                       13<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.2

                                 LEASE AGREEMENT

                                 BY AND BETWEEN

                             THE COUNTY OF DONA ANA

                             THE CITY OF LAS CRUCES
                                   ("LESSORS")

                                       AND

                             PHC - LAS CRUCES, INC.

                            DATED AS OF MAY 19, 2004

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                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

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<S>                                                                                          <C>
1.  Lease of Premises and Equipment............................................................1

2.  Term; Right of Termination; No Alienation of Premises; Conveyance Requirements.............2
    2.1         Term...........................................................................2
    2.2         Right to Terminate.............................................................2
    2.3         No Alienation of Premises......................................................2
    2.4         Conveyance Requirements........................................................3

3.  Amount and Manner of Payment of Rent.......................................................4

4.  Covenants of Lessee and Lessors............................................................4
    4.1         Maintenance and Repair.........................................................4
    4.2         Taxes and Utilities............................................................5
    4.3         Compliance With Laws...........................................................5
    4.4         Insurance......................................................................6
    4.5         Surrender of Premises..........................................................6
    4.6         Use of Premises................................................................7
    4.7         Waiver of Subrogation..........................................................7
    4.8         Remedies for Breach of Contract................................................7
    4.9         Annual Review..................................................................7
    4.10        Expanded Care Payments.........................................................8

5.  Title and Condition of Premises and Equipment..............................................8
    5.1         Title to Premises..............................................................8
    5.2         Condition of the Premises......................................................8
    5.3         Quiet Enjoyment................................................................9

6.  Alterations, Additions and Removal.........................................................9
    6.1         Alterations, Additions and Removal.............................................9
    6.2         Disposal of Equipment.........................................................10

7.  Lessee's Right to Mortgage Its Leasehold Interest.........................................10
    7.1         Lessee's Right to Encumber and Mortgage this Leasehold........................10
    7.2         Amendments Required By Leasehold Mortgages....................................10

8.  Assignments and Subleases; Merger and Sale of Assets......................................11
    8.1         Assignment....................................................................11
    8.2         Sublease......................................................................12

9.  Permitted Contests........................................................................13

10. Casualty and Condemnation.................................................................14
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                           <C>
    10.1        Casualty......................................................................14
    10.2        Condemnation..................................................................15
11. Right of Entry............................................................................16

12. Events of Default; Costs..................................................................16
    12.1        Default; Notice and Cure; Remedies............................................16
    12.2        Costs and Expenses............................................................18

13. Environmental Matters.....................................................................18
    13.1        Warranty of Lessors...........................................................18
    13.2        Covenant of Lessee............................................................20
    13.3        Compliance with Laws..........................................................21
    13.4        Remediation...................................................................21

14. Notices, Demands and Other Instruments....................................................22

15. Separability; Binding Effect; Governing Law...............................................22

16. Headings and Table of Contents............................................................22

17. Counterparts..............................................................................22

18. Memorandum of Lease.......................................................................23

19. Assignment of Existing Leases.............................................................23

20. No Partnership............................................................................23

21. Purchase of Equipment, Leasehold Improvements and Net Working Capital at End of Term......23

22. Department of Health and Human Services Regulation........................................24

23. Representations and Warranties............................................................24

24. Guaranty..................................................................................24

25. Expenses..................................................................................25

26. The Asset Purchase Agreement and Schedules................................................25
</TABLE>

                                      ii

<PAGE>

                                    SCHEDULES

    Schedule A, Part I            Land

    Schedule A, Part II           Permitted Encumbrances

    Schedule B                    Equipment

    Schedule C, Part I            Deferred Maintenance Items

    Schedule C, Part II           Proposed Street Modifications

    Schedule C, Part III          Rent Rolls

    Schedule D, Part I            Environmental

    Schedule D, Part II           Underground Storage Tanks

    Schedule D, Part III          Collection Dumps, Pits and Disposal Facilities

                                      iii
<PAGE>

                                 LEASE AGREEMENT

         THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (the "Lease"), made as of the 19th day of May,
2004 by and between the County of Dona Ana, New Mexico, whose address is 180
West Amador, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001 (the "County") and the City of Las
Cruces, New Mexico, whose address is P.O. Box 20000, Las Cruces, New Mexico
88004 (the "City"), and PHC-Las Cruces, Inc., a New Mexico corporation
("Lessee") and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Province Healthcare Corporation (the
"Parent"), whose address is 105 Westwood Place, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tennessee
37027.

                                   WITNESSETH:

         1. Lease of Premises and Equipment. In consideration of the rents and
covenants herein stipulated to be paid and performed by Lessee and upon the
terms and conditions herein specified, the City and the County (collectively,
"Lessors"), hereby lease to Lessee, and Lessee hereby leases from Lessors, the
property commonly known as Memorial Medical Center (the "Hospital") consisting
of: (i) the parcel(s) of land located in the County, as described on Schedule A,
Part I, attached hereto and made a part hereof for all purposes (the "Land"),
(ii) all buildings, structures, "Fixtures" (as hereinafter defined) and other
improvements of every kind including, but not limited to, alleyways and
connecting tunnels, sidewalks, utility pipes, conduits and lines (on-site and
off-site), parking areas and roadways appurtenant to such buildings and
structures presently situated upon the Land (collectively, the "Improvements");
(iii) all easements, rights and appurtenances relating to the Land and the
Improvements (collectively, the "Appurtenant Rights"); (iv) all equipment,
machinery, fixtures, and other items of property, including all components
thereof, now and hereafter permanently affixed to or incorporated into the
Improvements, including, without limitation, all furnaces, boilers, heaters,
electrical equipment, heating, plumbing, lighting, ventilating, refrigerating,
incineration, air and water pollution control, waste disposal, air-cooling and
air-conditioning systems and apparatus, sprinkler systems and fire and theft
protection equipment, all of which to the greatest extent permitted by law, are
hereby deemed by the parties hereto to constitute real estate, together with all
replacements, modifications, alterations and additions thereto, (collectively
the "Fixtures"); and (v) all equipment, furnishings, furniture, trade fixtures
and other personal property used in connection with medical-surgical hospital,
urgent care and medical office building operations and businesses on the
Premises (as hereinafter defined), all as more particularly described on
Schedule B (collectively the "Equipment"). The Land, the Improvements, the
Appurtenant Rights and the Fixtures are hereinafter referred to collectively as
the "Premises."

<PAGE>

         2. Term; Right of Termination; No Alienation of Premises; Conveyance
Requirements.

            2.1 Term. The Premises and the Equipment are leased for a term of
forty (40) years (the "Term"), commencing on June 1, 2004 (the "Commencement
Date") and ending on May 31, 2044, unless and until the term of this Lease shall
be terminated as hereinafter provided or extended as the parties might agree,
subject to New Mexico State Board of Finance approval if needed. Any extension
of the Term hereof shall be referred to as an "Extended Term."

            2.2 Right to Terminate. Lessors shall have the right, from and after
the third anniversary of the Commencement Date and continuing throughout the
remainder of the Term or any Extended Term, to terminate this Lease without
cause upon one hundred eighty (180) days prior written notice to Lessee;
provided, however, in the event Lessors deliver such written notice to Lessee,
Lessee shall have the option for one hundred twenty (120) days after its receipt
of any such notice, to purchase from Lessors for the aggregate purchase price of
One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) all of the Premises and the Equipment by
delivering to Lessors written notice of its exercise of such option within said
one hundred twenty (120) day period.

            2.3 No Alienation of Premises. Except as provided in this Section
2.3, during the Term or any Extended Term, Lessors shall not convey, transfer or
otherwise alienate the Premises or any interest therein to any person or entity
except Lessee or an affiliate or designee thereof.

                (a) During the Term or any Extended Term hereof, and for a
period of (120) days thereafter, Lessors shall, prior to any proposed sale,
transfer or assignment of all or any portion of their ownership interest in the
Premises, provide Lessee with written notice of the material terms and
conditions of the proposed sale, transfer or assignment. Lessee shall have the
option, to be exercised by delivering to Lessors written notice of such exercise
within thirty (30) days from the receipt of notice from Lessors of such a
proposed sale, transfer or assignment, to purchase from Lessors the Premises for
an amount equal to the then-current fair market value of the Premises (less
unamortized payments of Rent (as defined herein)), as determined by a third
party appraisal to be prepared by an independent appraiser mutually agreed upon
by Lessee and Lessors. If Lessee fails to (i) exercise such option within such
thirty (30) day period or (ii) close the purchase within the period specified in
Section 2.4 hereof, Lessors shall be entitled to proceed with the proposed sale,
transfer or assignment as originally specified in the notice from Lessors,
provided that if Lessors do not consummate such transaction within one hundred
twenty (120) days after the expiration of the period during which Lessee had
either the option to elect to acquire such interest of

                                       2
<PAGE>

Lessors or the right to consummate such acquisition after having elected said
option, as the case may be, then the provisions hereof shall apply again to any
proposed transaction.

                (b) Upon the completion of any such purchase by Lessee, this
Lease and all obligations hereunder (including, but not limited to, the
obligations to pay any additional rent) shall terminate, provided that neither
party shall be released with respect to obligations and liabilities of Lessee
and Lessors, actual or contingent, under this Lease which arose on or prior to
the date of the closing of such purchase, unless specific provision therefor
shall have been made in the instruments and agreements relating to such
purchase.

                (c) All provisions contained in this Lease shall be binding upon
any successor or assign of either Lessor upon any sale, transfer or assignment
by either Lessor of all or any part of its ownership interest in the Premises.

                (d) To the extent allowed by law, Lessors shall not, during the
Term or any Extended Term, sell, transfer, convey or assign all or any portion
of their ownership interest in the Premises to any person or entity which is a
competitor, or affiliate thereof, of Lessee or the Hospital at the time such
sale, transfer, conveyance or assignment would otherwise take place.

                (e) Lessors shall not, during the Term or any Extended Term,
sell, transfer, convey or assign all or any portion of their ownership interest
in the Equipment.

            2.4 Conveyance Requirements. In the event Lessee exercises either
its option to purchase from Lessors the Premises and Equipment as provided in
Section 2.2 or its option to purchase from Lessors the Premises alone as
provided in Section 2.3, such purchase will be consummated within one hundred
eighty (180) days of Lessee's applicable notice to Lessors. Lessors shall convey
to Lessee or its designee by a quitclaim deed, good record and marketable title
to the Premises and, if applicable, good and valid title to the Equipment,
subject only to Permitted Encumbrances (as hereinafter defined), real estate
taxes which are not delinquent and liens caused or created by Lessee, but free
and clear of all mortgages, security deeds, liens, encumbrances and security
interests securing any indebtedness of Lessors. The purchase price shall be paid
in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds at the time of the
closing; provided that if the Premises have suffered any damage covered by the
insurance described in Section 4.4, Lessors and the holders of any mortgages on
the Premises shall pay to Lessee all of the proceeds of such insurance not
previously paid to

                                       3
<PAGE>

Lessee, or to the extent such proceeds have not been collected, assign to Lessee
all of their respective rights and interests therein to Lessee; or at its
election Lessee may reduce the purchase price paid by the amount of such
proceeds and deduct such sum from the purchase price payable at the closing.
Lessors shall be responsible for and shall pay one-half of all closing costs.
Closing costs shall include the costs of title insurance, a survey, any escrow
charges, costs of recording deeds and all documentary stamps and similar taxes
on the recordation of the deeds. Each party shall be responsible for the fees of
its respective counsel.

         3. Amount and Manner of Payment of Rent. Lessee shall pay to Lessors in
lawful money of the United States, as prepayment of all rent payable hereunder
for the Term, the aggregate amount of One Hundred Fifty Million Dollars
($150,000,000) (the "Rent"). One Hundred Thirty-Eight Million Dollars
($138,000,000) of the Rent shall be paid by wire transfer to one or more
accounts designated by Lessors prior to Closing as defined in the Asset Purchase
Agreement attached hereto (the "Asset Purchase Agreement"). The remaining Twelve
Million Dollars ($12,000,000) of the Rent (the "Escrowed Funds") shall by paid
by wire transfer at Closing to an escrow account established by the parties as
described in Section 10 of the Asset Purchase Agreement.

         4. Covenants of Lessee and Lessors.

            4.1 Maintenance and Repair.

                (a) Lessee, at its own expense, will maintain all of the
Improvements in at least as good condition as they now are, except for ordinary
wear, tear, depreciation and obsolescence and damage by fire or other casualty.

                (b) All of the Equipment shall be maintained by Lessee in such
repair and condition as similar equipment is maintained in other hospitals
similar to and similarly located to the Premises in the State of New Mexico, but
Lessee shall not be required to maintain any of the Equipment in any better
condition than its present condition. In the event that Lessee decides for any
reason that an item of Equipment is no longer required for its use, Lessee may
dispose of the same in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.2. If Lessee
elects to replace any lost, damaged or obsolete Equipment, such replacement item
of equipment shall be deemed to be included as part of the Equipment, provided
that the acquisition of any such replacement items of equipment shall be subject
to the terms and provisions hereof, including without limitation Section 7.
Subject to Sections 2.2 and 2.3, upon the expiration or termination of this
Lease, Lessee shall, subject to the provisions of Section 7, return to Lessors
all items of Equipment not

                                       4
<PAGE>

previously returned to Lessors in such condition as they are required to be
maintained hereunder, ordinary wear and tear, damage and deterioration, and any
loss or damage ordinarily covered by a policy of fire and extended coverages
excepted. As used throughout this Section 4.1(b), "ordinary wear and tear" shall
mean the wear, tear, damage and deterioration that would typically and
ordinarily occur to a particular item of Equipment if used for a period of time
equivalent to the term of this Lease in a medical-surgical hospital facility
similar to the Premises; provided, however, notwithstanding the foregoing,
Lessee shall not permit the condition of the Equipment to be in anything less
than reasonably suitable, efficient and usable condition, or to be in less than
reasonably good repair.

            4.2 Taxes and Utilities. Except as may be otherwise provided in
Section 6.9 of the Asset Purchase Agreement, Lessee shall pay, prior to
delinquency: all taxes, assessments, levies, fees, charges for electricity, gas,
water, sewer and all other utilities, and all other governmental charges,
general and special, ordinary and extraordinary, foreseen and unforeseen, which
during the Term or any Extended Term hereof, (i) are imposed or levied upon or
assessed against the, Premises or the Equipment, or (ii) arise out of the
operation, possession or use of the Premises. Lessee will furnish to Lessors,
promptly after demand therefor, proof of payment of all items referred to above
which are payable by Lessee. If any such assessment may legally be paid in
installments, Lessee may pay such assessment in installments; in such event,
Lessee shall be liable only for installments which become due and payable during
the term. If any such assessment is for a period of time commencing before or
extending beyond the term of this Lease, Lessee shall be liable only for the pro
rata portion of such assessment as is applicable to the Term or any Extended
Term hereof. After Closing, Lessors shall be under no obligation to furnish any
utilities to the Premises and shall not be liable to Lessee for any interruption
or failure in the supply of such utilities to the Lessee (except such
obligations or liabilities, if any, arising (i) as a provider of utilities or
(ii) due to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Lessors).

            4.3 Compliance With Laws. After Closing, Lessee, at its sole cost
and expense, shall cause the Premises, including without limitation, any and all
alterations, improvements, modifications, restorations, repairs and replacements
thereof, to be in conformity with all laws, ordinances and regulations, and
other governmental rules, orders and determinations now or hereafter enacted,
made or issued, whether or not presently contemplated, applicable to the
Premises or the use thereof (collectively "Legal Requirements"). In the event
that the Premises are not now in conformity with all Legal Requirements, Lessors
shall be responsible for promptly causing the Premises to conform with all Legal
Requirements, at their sole cost and expense.

                                       5
<PAGE>

            4.4 Insurance.

                (a) Throughout the Term and any Extended Term, Lessee will
maintain insurance on the Premises and the Equipment of the following character:

                           (i) Insurance against loss by fire, flood, lightning,
                  vandalism, malicious mischief and other risks which at the
                  time are included under "extended coverage" endorsements with
                  respect to the Premises, in an amount not less than 100% of
                  the full replacement value of the Premises, exclusive of
                  foundations, excavations, parking areas, drives, underground
                  utilities and all other land improvements.

                           (ii) Comprehensive public liability insurance against
                  claims for bodily injury, death or property damage occurring
                  on, in or about the Premises and adjoining streets and
                  sidewalks, in the amounts of $3,000,000 for bodily injury or
                  death in any one occurrence and $1,000,000 for property
                  damage.

                           (iii) Worker's compensation insurance to the extent
                  required by the law of the State of New Mexico and to the
                  extent necessary to protect Lessors, the Premises and the
                  Equipment against worker's compensation claims.

Such insurance shall be written by companies legally qualified in New Mexico to
issue such insurance, and shall name Lessors and Lessee as insured parties as
their interests may appear. No use shall be made by Lessee, or permitted by
Lessee to be made, on, to, or of the Premises or Equipment, nor shall any act be
done which would cause the cancellation of any insurance policy covering the
Premises or Equipment, nor shall Lessee sell or permit to be kept, used or sold
in and about the Premises or Equipment any article which may be prohibited by
any such insurance policy. As used herein, "full replacement value" is the cost
of replacing all improvements or replacements of substantially identical kind,
quality and capacity without deduction for depreciation. Lessee shall provide
certificates of such insurance to Lessors and shall provide Lessors with a
minimum of thirty (30) days advance written notice prior to the cancellation, in
whole or in part, of any such insurance policy covering the Premises and
Equipment.

            4.5 Surrender of Premises. Upon the expiration or termination of the
Term or any Extended Term, Lessee shall surrender the

                                       6
<PAGE>

Premises to Lessors in the condition in which they were upon the commencement of
the Term, except as repaired, rebuilt, restored, altered, added to, as permitted
or required hereby; and except further for ordinary wear and tear, normal
deterioration and obsolescence, and damage due to causes reasonably beyond
Lessee's control; and, if this Lease shall be terminated by Lessee pursuant to
Section 10.1, except for any damage resulting from any fire or other casualty.

            4.6 Use of Premises. Lessee may use and occupy the Premises for
operation of a medical surgical hospital or other health care facility or
facilities and the provision of such ancillary services and related, incidental
uses as are appropriate or desirable in conjunction with the operation of such
health care facilities and as are permitted by applicable Legal Requirements.

            4.7 Waiver of Subrogation. Lessors and Lessee on behalf of
themselves and all others claiming under them, including any insurer, waive
(insofar as and to the extent that such agreement may be effective without
invalidating or making it unreasonably difficult or expensive to secure
insurance coverage from a responsible insurance company doing business in the
State of New Mexico) all claims against each other, including all rights of
subrogation, for loss or damage to their respective property (including, but not
limited to, the Premises and the Equipment) arising from fire, smoke damage,
windstorm, hail, vandalism, theft, malicious mischief and any of the other
perils insured against in an "all risk" of physical loss policy, regardless of
whether insurance against those perils is in effect with respect to such party's
property and regardless of the negligence of either party. If either party so
requests, the other party shall obtain from its insurer a written waiver of all
rights of subrogation that it may have against the other party.

            4.8 Remedies for Breach of Contract. Lessee shall have as its sole
remedies the right to pursue specific performance (which shall be limited to the
performance of specific acts and shall not include payment of monies, except to
the extent paid out of the Escrowed Funds), and the right to recover from the
Escrowed Funds Losses (as defined in Section 10.1 of the Asset Purchase
Agreement) suffered or incurred by Lessee by reason of any breach hereof and to
the extent and in the manner described herein or in the Asset Purchase Agreement
or pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement attached as Appendix 2.2(ix)
thereto.

            4.9 Annual Review. In addition to such other arrangements upon which
the parties may agree to ensure that both Lessors and Lessee are appropriately
informed on an ongoing basis of the parties' respective performance under the
Lease and APA, Lessors shall have the right on an annual basis to meet with
Lessee or its designated representatives to receive

                                       7

<PAGE>

a report concerning and to review the fulfillment of Lessee's obligations under
this Lease and the Asset Purchase Agreement, and to review and discuss the
continuum of care provided by Lessee for the residents of the City and the
County.

            4.10 Expanded Care Payments. In exchange for Lessee's agreement to
provide the Expanded Care Services, as defined in Section 6.5(a) of the Asset
Purchase Agreement, Lessors agree to compensate Lessee for providing such
Expanded Care Services during the initial thirty-six (36) months of the Term
(the "Expanded Care Payments"). Lessors shall so compensate Lessee in an amount
equal to the cost to Lessee of providing such Expanded Care Services up to Six
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($600,000) per month during the initial twelve (12)
months of the Term and up to Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) per month
during months thirteen (13) through thirty-six (36) of the Term. The Expanded
Care Payments shall be paid to Lessee on a quarterly basis upon Lessee's
submission to Lessors of documentation of unreimbursed services rendered by
Lessee at the Hospital for such Expanded Care Services during the previous
quarter. Funds provided by the Expanded Care Payments shall be used in Lessee's
sole discretion for the sole purpose of providing Expanded Care Services. The
Expanded Care Payments shall be payable and collectable solely from a segregated
fund established by Lessors at Closing into which Nineteen Million Two Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($19,200,000) of the proceeds from the Rent shall be deposited.
Any amounts remaining in that fund after all obligations in this Section 4.10
have been met shall be released to Lessors from this segregated fund. Nothing in
this Section 4.10 shall be interpreted to affect Lessee's obligations to provide
Expanded Care Services continuously throughout the Term and any Extended Term.

         5. Title and Condition of Premises and Equipment.

            5.1 Title to Premises. Lessors covenant, represent and warrant that
Lessors have full right and lawful authority to enter into this Lease for the
term hereof, are lawfully seized of the Premises and the Equipment and have good
and valid fee simple title to the Premises and good title to the Equipment, free
and clear of all liens and encumbrances, except those listed on Schedule A, Part
II (the "Permitted Encumbrances").

            5.2 Condition of the Premises. The Premises is being leased "As Is,
Where Is and With All Faults." Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as set
forth in Schedule C, Part I, to Lessors' best knowledge, the Premises are in
good operating condition and repair ordinary wear and tear excepted and Lessors
do not know of any material defect, structural or other, therein. Except as set
forth in Schedule C, Part I, to Lessors' best knowledge, there are no material
deferred maintenance items and none of the Equipment nor

                                       8
<PAGE>

any of the buildings, structures, fixtures or improvements which are part of the
Premises are in need of any maintenance, repair or replacement, except for
ordinary routine periodic maintenance of the kind usually required from time to
time at similar facilities. Lessors have not received any notice, and have no
knowledge of any violation of any building, zoning or other law, ordinance or
regulation in respect of such property or structures or their use by Lessors or
their predecessor. Except as set forth on Schedule C, Part II, to Lessors' best
knowledge, there is no existing, proposed or contemplated plan to modify or
realign any street or highway or any existing, proposed or contemplated eminent
domain proceeding that would result in the taking of all or any part of the
Premises or that would materially adversely affect the current or planned use of
the Premises or any part thereof. Schedule C, Part III contains rent rolls for
each building in which Lessors lease or sublease space to tenants, which rent
rolls identify each building and its total square footage, and, with respect to
each lease or sublease, identify (a) the tenant or subtenant, (b) the number of
square feet leased or subleased, (c) the term commencement date and expiration
date, (d) the rent and payment terms thereof, and (e) tenant's suite number.

            5.3 Quiet Enjoyment. So long as no Event of Default (as hereinafter
defined) has occurred and is continuing, Lessee shall peaceably and quietly
have, hold, occupy and enjoy the Premises and all the appurtenances thereto,
without hindrance or molestation from Lessors or any other persons or entities
whatsoever claiming by, through or under Lessors.

         6. Alterations, Additions and Removal.

            6.1 Alterations, Additions and Removal. (a) Lessee may, at its
expense, make additions to and alterations of the Improvements, and construct
additional improvements upon the Land and the Improvements, provided that (i)
the market value of the Premises shall not be materially lessened thereby; (ii)
such work shall be completed in a good and workmanlike manner and in compliance
with all applicable Legal Requirements and the requirements of all insurance
policies required to be maintained by Lessee hereunder; and (iii) no material
part of the Improvements shall be demolished unless (A) the same are replaced by
other improvements which are required by Lessee in connection with its intended
use of the Premises, or (B) Lessors' prior consent shall have been obtained,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision to the contrary herein,
Lessee shall obtain the prior written approval of Lessors, which approval shall
not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed prior to making any single
alteration or improvement that is anticipated to cost in excess of Thirty
Million Dollars ($30,000,000). Upon Lessors' written request, Lessee

                                       9
<PAGE>

shall make an annual report to Lessors of any such projected alterations or
improvements.

                (b) Provided that Lessee complies with all relevant local
ordinances related to exterior signage, Lessee may place upon the Premises any
trade fixtures, machinery, equipment, materials, inventory, furniture and/or
other personal property belonging to Lessee or third parties (collectively,
"Lessee's Personal Property"), whether or not the same shall be affixed to the
Premises, which are or are intended to be used in connection with any of
Lessee's business operations on the Premises. Lessee may remove any of Lessee's
Personal Property at any time during the Term or any Extended Term; provided,
however, Lessee shall repair any damage to the Premises caused by such removal.

            6.2 Disposal of Equipment. If Lessee shall determine at any time, or
from time to time, that any item or items of Equipment are obsolete or are no
longer suitable for Lessee's use in connection with Lessee's business or
operations at the Premises, Lessee may sell, transfer, exchange, or otherwise
dispose of such item or items in such manner for such consideration and as
Lessee may, in its sole discretion, deem appropriate. If requested by Lessee,
Lessors shall deliver to Lessee or to Lessee's designee a bill of sale or other
document or instrument of conveyance, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Lessee, duly executed and acknowledged by Lessors, which shall
be sufficient to convey and transfer to Lessee or its designee all of Lessors'
right, title and interest in and to the item or other document or instrument of
conveyance, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances whatsoever. Lessee may
retain as its sole and absolute property the proceeds, whether they be cash,
exchanged property or other, of any sale, transfer, exchange or other
disposition of any such item or items.

         7. Lessee's Right to Mortgage Its Leasehold Interest.

            7.1 Lessee's Right to Encumber and Mortgage this Leasehold. At any
time during the term of this Lease, Lessee may mortgage, hypothecate or
otherwise encumber Lessee's leasehold estate under this Lease in respect to its
interests in any or all of the Premises and Equipment to secure indebtedness of
Lessee under one or more leasehold mortgages or other debt instruments and may
assign this Lease as security therefor.

            7.2 Amendments Required By Leasehold Mortgages. Lessors and Lessee
shall cooperate in affecting to this Lease by suitable amendment or modification
from time to time any terms or provisions which may reasonably be requested by
any leasehold mortgagee, including the subordination of Lessors' interest in the
Premises and Equipment, for the purpose of allowing such leasehold mortgagee
reasonable means to protect or

                                       10
<PAGE>

preserve its lien upon Lessee's leasehold interest under this Lease on the
occurrence of a default under the terms of this Lease; provided, however, that
no such leasehold mortgagee shall acquire any ownership interest in the Premises
or Equipment. Lessors and Lessee each agree to execute and deliver (and to
acknowledge, if necessary, for recording purposes) any document appropriate to
effect any such amendment; provided, however, that any such amendment shall not
in any way affect Sections 2, 3 or 4.6 of this Lease, or, except for the
subordination of Lessors' interest in the Premises and Equipment, without the
prior written approval of Lessors, which will not be unreasonably withheld,
conditioned or delayed, modify any other provision of this Lease in a manner
which materially adversely affects Lessors.

         8. Assignments and Subleases; Merger and Sale of Assets.

            8.1 Assignment.

                (a) Lessee and its permitted assigns, with the prior written
consent of Lessors, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld,
conditioned or delayed, may assign this Lease, in whole or in part from time to
time as provided herein. The consent of Lessors pursuant to this Section 8.1
shall not constitute a waiver of the necessity for consent to any subsequent
assignment and Lessee shall remain fully liable under this Lease and shall not
be released from any such liability except by written instrument expressly
setting forth such release executed by Lessors. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Lessee shall be entitled to assign the Lease to an affiliate of Lessee without
obtaining such consent.

                (b) For purposes of this Section 8.1, the following events shall
be deemed an assignment: (a) a transfer or sale of fifty percent (50%) or more
of the voting interest or stock of Lessee to a third party which was not an
affiliate of Lessee immediately prior to such transfer or sale, or (b) the
merger or consolidation of Lessee with and into a third party which was not an
affiliate of Lessee immediately prior to such merger or consolidation (other
than a merger or consolidation in which Lessee is the surviving entity thereof).
Any such transfer, sale, merger or consolidation will be deemed an assignment
requiring the prior written consent of Lessors and will not operate to release
Lessee from any liability hereunder.

                (c) For purposes of this Section 8.1, an assignment shall
specifically exclude (a) a transfer or sale of fifty percent (50%) or more of
the voting interest or stock of Parent to a third party, (b) the merger or
consolidation of Parent with a third party or (c) the sale of substantially all
the assets of Parent. Any such transfer, sale, merger or consolidation will not
be deemed an assignment requiring the prior written consent of Lessors and will
operate to release Parent from any and all liability hereunder; provided,

                                       11
<PAGE>

however, in the event of a sale of Parent's assets whereby the Premises and
Equipment are transferred to a third party acquirer, Parent shall not consummate
such a transaction without having first required such third party acquirer, or
an affiliate thereof having a net worth no less than that of Lessee at the time
of such transaction, to enter into a written agreement pursuant to which such
acquirer or affiliate thereof assumes Lessee's obligations hereunder.

                (d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 8.1 to the
contrary, Lessee shall, prior to any assignment of this Lease in whole or in
part, provide Lessors with written notice of the material terms and conditions
of the proposed assignment. Lessors have a right of first refusal for thirty
(30) days from the receipt of such notice in which to agree to take assignment
of the Lease on the same price, terms and conditions specified in such notice.
If Lessors elect to take assignment of the Lease on such price, terms and
conditions, Lessors shall consummate such assignment within one hundred twenty
(120) days from the date on which it received from Lessee notice of the proposed
assignment. If Lessors fail to consummate such assignment within such one
hundred twenty (120) day period, Lessee shall be entitled to proceed with the
proposed assignment, provided that if Lessee does not consummate such assignment
within one hundred twenty (120) days after the expiration of the period during
which Lessors had either the option to elect to take assignment of the Lease or
the right to take such assignment after having elected said option, as the case
may be, then the provisions hereof shall apply again to any proposed assignment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the notice requirement and right of first refusal
provided for in this Section 8(1)(d) shall not be applicable to any assignment
that is to be made as an element of or in connection with a transaction
involving Parent, or any affiliate thereof, in which one or more other hospitals
owned or leased by Parent, or an affiliate thereof, is to be sold, transferred
or conveyed to one or more third-parties.

                (e) Upon the completion of any such assignment by Lessee to
Lessors as provided in Section 8.1(d), all of Lessee's obligations under this
Lease (including, but not limited to, the obligations to pay additional rent)
shall terminate, provided that neither party shall be released with respect to
obligations and liabilities of Lessee and Lessors, actual or contingent, under
this Lease which arose on or prior to the date of the closing of such
assignment, unless specific provision therefor shall have been made in the
instruments and agreements relating to such purchase.

         8.2 Sublease. Except as provided for herein, Lessee shall not sublet
the Premises or any part thereof to any third party (other than affiliates of
Lessee) without the prior written consent of Lessors, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

                                       12
<PAGE>

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee is permitted, without obtaining Lessors'
consent, to sublease the Premises in part to any third party so long as the
aggregate amount of space so subleased within the Hospital does not exceed
thirty percent (30%) of the total square footage of the Hospital. Any sublease
of all or any portion of the Premises shall provide that it is subordinate to
this Lease and to the matters to which this Lease is or shall be subordinate,
and that in the event of termination of this Lease, Lessors may, at Lessors'
option, take over all of the right, title and interest of Lessee, as sublessor
under such sublease, and the sublessee under such sublease shall, at Lessors'
option, attorn, to Lessors and Lessors shall acknowledge sublessee's rights in,
to and under such sublease, except that neither Lessors nor any mortgagee of the
Land, as holder of a mortgage or as Lessors under this Lease if such mortgagee
succeeds to that position, shall (a) be liable for any act or omission of Lessee
under such sublease, (b) be subject to any credit, counterclaim, offset or
defense which theretofore accrued to such sublessee against Lessee, (c) be bound
by any previous modification of such sublease, (d) be bound by any covenant of
Lessee to undertake or complete any construction project on the Premises, (e) be
required to account for any security deposit of the sublessee other than any
security deposit actually delivered to Lessors by Lessee, (f) be bound by any
obligation to make any payment to such sublessee or grant any credits, except
for services, repairs, maintenance and restoration provided for under the
sublease to be performed after the date of such attornment, (g) be responsible
for any monies owing by Lessors to the credit of Lessee, or (h) be required to
remove any person occupying the Premises or any part thereof; and such sublease
shall provide that the sublessee thereunder shall, at the request of Lessors,
execute a suitable instrument in confirmation of such agreement so to attorn to
Lessors. No subletting shall in any way impair the continuing primary liability
of Lessee hereunder, and no consent (to the extent consent is required) to any
subletting in a particular instance shall be deemed to be a waiver of the
obligation to obtain the Lessors' written approval in the case of any other or
further subletting. No assignment, subletting or occupancy shall affect the
permitted use of the Premises. Any subletting, assignment or other transfer of
Lessee's interest in this Lease in contravention of this Section 8.2 shall be
voidable at Lessors' option.

         9. Permitted Contests. Notwithstanding any provision of this Lease to
the contrary, Lessee shall not be required, nor shall Lessors have the right, to
pay, discharge or remove any tax, assessment, levy, fee, rent (except Rent,
additional rent and any other sums due hereunder payable to or for the benefit
of Lessors), charge, lien or encumbrance, or to comply with any Legal
Requirement applicable to the Premises or the use thereof, as long as Lessee is
contesting the existence, amount or validity thereof by appropriate proceedings
which shall prevent the collection of or other realization upon the tax,
assessment, levy, fee, rent, charge, lien or encumbrance so contested, and

                                       13

<PAGE>

which also shall prevent the sale, forfeiture or loss of the Premises or any
Rent, or to satisfy the same or Legal Requirements, and which shall not affect
the payment of any Rent, provided that such contest shall not subject Lessors to
the risk of any material civil liability. Lessee shall give such reasonable
security as may be demanded by Lessors, or any mortgagee to insure ultimate
payment of such tax, assessment, levy, fee, rent, charge, lien, or encumbrance
and compliance with Legal Requirements and to prevent any sale or forfeiture of
the Premises, any Rent, any additional rent or any other sum required to be paid
by Lessee hereunder.

         10. Casualty and Condemnation.

             10.1 Casualty.

                  (a) Except as hereinafter provided, if any of the Improvements
shall be damaged or destroyed by fire or any other casualty covered by a
standard policy of fire and extended coverage insurance, as required pursuant to
Section 4.4 hereof, the proceeds of such insurance remaining after payment of
the costs, if any, of collection and recovery thereof (the "Net Proceeds)" shall
be paid over to Lessee and Lessee shall, to the extent the Net Proceeds are
sufficient therefor, thereafter commence and diligently prosecute to completion,
at Lessee's sole expense, the repair or rebuilding of the Improvements or
portion thereof which was damaged, in a good and workmanlike manner, in
accordance with plans and specifications satisfactory to Lessee and consented to
in writing by Lessors, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld,
conditioned or delayed, provided that the Improvements upon completion of such
repair or rebuilding shall have a value which is not substantially less than the
value of the Improvements immediately prior to the damage or destruction.

                  (b) Section 10.1(a) notwithstanding, in the event that either
(i) the damage or destruction with respect to any building ("Building") which is
a part of the Improvements is so extensive that it cannot be rebuilt, restored
or repaired as required in Section 10.1(a) within one hundred twenty (120) days
after such occurrence, as determined by Lessee in its reasonable judgment, or
(ii) any such damage or destruction occurs during the last two years of the Term
or any Extended Term, then Lessee shall have the right to terminate this Lease
with respect to the damaged or destroyed Building, but no other part of the
Premises, by giving written notice thereof to Lessors within sixty (60) days
after the occurrence of such damage or destruction and such termination will be
effective retroactively as of the date of such damage or destruction; provided
that, if the Building which suffered such damage or destruction is the main
building comprising the Hospital, then Lessee shall have the right to terminate
this Lease in its entirety by giving written notice thereof to Lessors within
sixty (60) days after the occurrence of such damage

                                       14
<PAGE>

or destruction and such termination will be effective retroactively as of the
date of such damage or destruction. In the event of a termination of this Lease
either in whole or in part pursuant to this Section 10.1(b) the Net Proceeds of
insurance shall be paid to the Lessee. Lessee shall be entitled to retain such
portion of the Net Proceeds equal to a percentage determined by multiplying the
number of years remaining in the Term or Extended Term, as the case may be, by
2.5 (for example, if the termination occurs after the fifth (5th) but prior to
the sixth (6th) anniversary of the Commencement Date, Lessee shall be entitled
to retain 87.5% of the Net Proceeds), and Lessors shall receive the remainder
thereof.

             10.2 Condemnation.

                  (a) If (i) the Premises are taken by an entity with the power
of eminent domain ("Condemning Authority") or if the Premises are conveyed to a
Condemning Authority by a negotiated sale, or if part of the Premises are so
taken or conveyed such that any of the Improvements cannot be rebuilt in a
manner permitting Lessee again to use the Premises without substantial
interference or diminution in value of its business operations, or (ii) due to
any such taking or conveyances, access to the Premises or any part thereof by
motor vehicles or trucks as operated by Lessee, its contractors, employees,
patients and invitees in the course of Lessee's business as theretofore
conducted, is substantially impaired or terminated; then in any such event,
Lessee may terminate this Lease by giving Lessors written notice any time after
the occurrence of any of the foregoing and such termination shall be effective
sixty (60) days prior to the date possession is scheduled to be taken by the
Condemning Authority.

                  (b) If part of the Premises or any Building (other than the
main Building comprising the Hospital), or a substantial part of any thereof, is
so taken or conveyed without substantially interfering with the use of the
Premises as a whole or substantially lessening the value of Lessee's business
operations, this Lease shall not terminate, except to the extent hereinafter
provided. In such event, Lessee shall have the option to terminate this Lease in
respect to any Building which is subject to such taking or conveyance by
notifying the Lessors prior to or within sixty (60) days after the date title is
to be or has been transferred to the Condemning Authority, and Lessee shall be
entitled to all awards and payments made or to be made by the Condemning
Authority to the Lessors, provided, however, if Lessee elects not to exercise
such termination option, Lessors shall, subject to Section 10.2(c) below, apply
such portions of any award or payment made to Lessors for such taking or
conveyance as is necessary to pay the cost of rebuilding, repairing or restoring
the Building or the Premises to a complete architectural unit suitable for
Lessee's use and business as it was conducted prior to such taking or
conveyance.

                                       15
<PAGE>

                  (c) In the event this Lease is terminated in part pursuant to
Section 10.2(b) above, Lessee shall be entitled to retain such percentage of the
award or payment equal to a percentage determined by multiplying the number of
years remaining in the Term or Extended Term, as the case may be, by 2.5, and
Lessors shall receive the reminder of the award or payment.

                  (d) If this Lease is terminated pursuant to Section 10.2(a)
above, Lessors and Lessee shall be released and discharged from all liabilities
arising or accruing under this Lease subsequent to the effective date of
termination.

         11. Right of Entry. Upon not less than seventy-two (72) hours prior
written notice to Lessee, Lessors and its agents and designees may enter upon
and examine the Premises at reasonable times for the purpose of determining the
condition of the Premises, and may show the Premises to prospective purchasers,
mortgagees or lessees as long as such examination or showing shall not
unreasonably interfere with the business operations of Lessee on the Premises or
the safety or privacy rights of Lessee's patients.

         12. Events of Default; Costs.

             12.1 Default; Notice and Cure; Remedies. The following shall be
deemed to be events of default ("Events of Default") by Lessee under this Lease:

                  (a) if Lessee shall default in the payment of Rent or any
other sums payable by Lessee hereunder, and such default shall continue for a
period of thirty (30) days after Lessee receives written notice thereof from
Lessors;

                  (b) if Lessee shall default in the performance of any other
material covenant or agreement hereunder or under the Asset Purchase Agreement
and such default shall continue for thirty (30) days after written notice
thereof and Lessee does not, within such thirty (30) day period, commence to
cure it and thereafter proceed, with due diligence, to cure it as soon as is
reasonably practicable under the circumstances;

                  (c) if Lessee shall fail to cause the Premises to be
materially in conformity with a material Legal Requirement or another material
contract, agreement, covenant, condition, restriction applicable to the lease,
occupancy or use of the Premises, as set forth in Section 4.3 hereof, and such
failure shall continue for thirty (30) days after written notice thereof and
Lessee does not, within such thirty (30) day period, commence to cure it and
thereafter proceed, with due diligence, to cure it as soon as is reasonably
practicable under the circumstances;

                                       16
<PAGE>

                  (d) if a decree or order by a court of competent jurisdiction
shall have been entered adjudging Lessee bankrupt or insolvent or appointing a
receiver or trustee or assignee in bankruptcy or insolvency of all or
substantially all of its property, and any such decree or order shall have
continued in force undischarged or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days;

                  (e) if Lessee ceases to maintain the Hospital as a
full-service general acute care hospital by not sustaining the same types and
level of services as currently provided, or as a facility providing services
substantially equivalent thereto, or fails to provide the services (and fulfill
the obligations) required of it by Section 6.5 of the Asset Purchase Agreement,
or otherwise abandons or vacates the Premises during the Term or any Extended
Term; or

                  (f) if Lessee loses or forfeits its license to operate the
Hospital as an acute care hospital, or as a facility providing services
substantially equivalent thereto, or loses, if eligible thereof, its Medicare or
Medicaid certification; provided, however, that Lessee may take such action as
it may deem reasonably necessary to seek reinstatement or recertification,
including commencement of any such administrative and/or judicial proceedings,
and no Event of Default shall occur for so long as Lessee shall continue to use
reasonable efforts to cure such loss or forfeiture default and until such time
as all of the administrative and/or judicial remedies have been exhausted and
such proceedings have resulted in final judicial determination that is adverse
to Lessee's operation of the Hospital as an acute care hospital, or as a
facility providing services substantially equivalent thereto.

Upon the occurrence of any such Event of Default, Lessors shall have, to the
extent such remedies and rights are not duplicative, in addition to any and all
other legal remedies and rights, the right to pursue specific performance, or
shall have the right to perform any covenant or agreement violation or
non-performance of which has caused an Event of Default and to the extent sums
are expended in connection therewith, and add such sums to the Rent due from
Lessee to Lessors. In the event (i) an Event of Default occurs and remains
uncured after Lessors have pursued to a final conclusion an action for specific
performance as aforesaid, (ii) an Event of Default occurs and remains uncured
and Lessors have not elected to pursue an action for specific performance, or
(iii) the Event of Default is not of a nature which Lessee can reasonably cure,
Lessors shall have the right to terminate this Lease or retake possession of the
Premises by eviction, re-entry or otherwise; provided, however, that such rights
shall not apply if the reason the Event of Default remains uncured is because of
a finding by a court of competent jurisdiction that Lessors are not entitled to
the relief sought before such court in

                                       17
<PAGE>

connection with such Event of Default due to an act, omission or course of
conduct of either or both of Lessors.

             12.2 Costs and Expenses. If Lessee should fail to make any payment
or cure any default hereunder within the time herein permitted, Lessors, without
being under any obligation to do so and without thereby waiving such default,
may make such payment and/or remedy such other default for the account of
Lessee, and thereupon Lessee shall be obligated to, and hereby agrees, to pay
Lessors, upon demand, all costs, expenses and disbursements (including
reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by Lessors in taking such remedial action.

         13. Environmental Matters.

             13.1 Warranty of Lessors. Lessors hereby represent and warrant to
the Lessee, the following environmental matters. Except as set forth on Schedule
D, Part I or as specifically disclosed in the Environmental Report:

                  (a) To the best of Lessors' knowledge, each Lessor and
Memorial Medical Center, Inc. ("MMCI") are currently in compliance with all
Environmental Laws which compliance includes but is not limited to the
possession by each Lessor and MMCI of all permits and other governmental
authorization required under applicable Environmental Laws and in compliance
with the terms and conditions thereof to operate the business as currently
conducted through the Hospital.

                  (b) Neither Lessors nor, to the best of Lessors' knowledge,
MMCI has stored, disposed of or arranged for disposal of any Materials of
Environmental Concern on any of the Premises, except in compliance with
applicable Environmental Laws, nor do Lessors or MMCI have any knowledge of such
storage, disposition or arrangement for disposition by any other party.

                  (c) Neither Lessors nor, to the best of Lessors' knowledge,
MMCI has received any communication (written or oral), whether from a
governmental authority, citizens group, employee or otherwise, that alleges that
any Lessor or MMCI is not in full compliance with Environmental Laws, and, to
the knowledge of Lessors, there are no circumstances that may prevent and
interfere with such full compliance in the future. There is no Environmental
Claim pending or, to the knowledge of Lessors, threatened against any Lessor or
MMCI.

                  (d) During the period Lessors have owned the Assets (as
defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement) and, to the knowledge of Lessors, prior
to such ownership, to Lessors' best knowledge, there have been

                                       18
<PAGE>

no actions, activities, circumstances, conditions, events or incidents,
including without limitation the release, emission, discharge, presence or
disposal of any Material of Environmental Concern, that could form the basis of
any Environmental Claim against any Lessor or MMCI, and Lessors do not know of
any such actions, activities, circumstances, conditions, events or incidents
prior to Lessors' ownership of the Hospital.

                  (e) Without in any way limiting the generality of the
foregoing, to Lessors' best knowledge, (i) all current underground storage
tanks, and the capacity, uses, date of installation, and contents of such tanks,
located on the Premises are identified on Schedule D, Part II; (ii) there are
no, nor have there ever been, any collection dumps, pits, and disposal
facilities or surface impoundments located on the Premises except as identified
on Schedule D, Part III; (iii) all underground storage tanks are in full
compliance with the Environmental Laws; (iv) except as disclosed in the
Environmental Report, there is no asbestos contained in or forming part of any
facility of the Premises; and (v) no PCBs have been used or stored on the
Premises.

                  The following terms shall have the following meanings:

                  "Environmental Claim" means any claim, action, cause of
action, investigation or notice (written or oral) by any person or entity
alleging potential liability (including, without limitation, potential liability
for investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental response costs, natural
resources damages, property damages, personal injuries, or penalties) arising
out of, based on or resulting from (a) the presence, or release into the
environment, of any Material of Environmental Concern at any location which is
or has been owned, leased or operated by Lessors or MMCI or (b) circumstances
forming the basis of any violation, or alleged violation, of any Environmental
Law.

                  "Environmental Laws" means the federal, state (including
specifically, but not by way of limitation, the State of New Mexico), and local
environmental, or health laws, regulations, ordinances, rules and policies and
common law in effect on the date hereof and the Closing Date relating to the
use, refinement, handling, treatment, removal, storage, production, manufacture,
transportation or disposal, emissions, discharges, releases or threatened
releases of Materials of Environmental Concern, or otherwise relating to
protection of the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air,
surface water, ground water, land surface or subsurface strata), as the same may
be amended or modified to the date hereof and the Closing Date, including,
without limitation, the statutes listed below:

                                       19
<PAGE>

                  Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, 42
U.S.C. ss. 6901, et seq.

                  Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act of 1980, 42 U.S.C. ss. 9601, et seq.

                  Federal Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 7401, et seq.

                  Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Federal Clean Water Act
of 1977, 33 U.S.C. ss. 1251, et seq.

                  Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, Federal
Pesticide Act of 1978, 7 U.S.C. ss. 136, et seq.

                  Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 48 U.S.C.
ss. 1801, et seq.

                  Federal Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. ss. 2601,
et seq.

                  Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 300f, et seq.

                  "Hazardous Substances" means any toxic or hazardous waste,
pollutants or substances, including, without limitations, asbestos, PCBs,
petroleum products and byproducts, substances defined or listed as "hazardous
substance," "toxic substance," "toxic pollutant," or similarly identified
substance or mixture, in or pursuant to any Environmental Law.

                  "Materials of Environmental Concern" means chemicals,
pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, petroleum and petroleum
products, including Hazardous Substances.

                  "Hazardous Substances" means any toxic or hazardous waste,
pollutants or substances, including, without limitations, asbestos, PCBs,
petroleum products and byproducts, substances defined or listed as "hazardous
substance," "toxic substance," "toxic pollutant," or similarly identified
substance or mixture, in or pursuant to any Environmental Law.

                  "Materials of Environmental Concern" means chemicals,
pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, petroleum and petroleum
products, including Hazardous Substances.

             13.2 Covenant of Lessee. Except for Hazardous Substances or other
toxic materials or medical waste brought, kept or used in the Premises in
commercial quantities similar to those quantities usually kept on similar
premises by others in the same business, medical specialty or profession or

                                       20
<PAGE>

who operate medical facilities similar to those located in and on the Premises,
and which are used and kept in compliance with applicable public health, safety
and environmental laws, Lessee shall not allow any Hazardous Substance, or other
toxic material or medical waste to be located in, on or under the Premises or
allow the Premises to be used for the disposal of any Hazardous Substance or
other toxic material.

             13.3 Compliance with Laws. Lessee shall at all times and in all
respects comply with all federal, state or local laws, ordinances, regulations
and orders applicable to the Premises or the use thereof relating to industrial
hygiene, the handling, storage and disposal of medical waste, environmental
protection, or the use, analysis, generation, manufacture, storage, disposal or
transportation of any Hazardous Substance, toxic material or medical waste,
except where (i) the necessity of compliance is contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings, or (ii) the violation of which, individually or in the
aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on
the Premises.

             13.4 Remediation. If Lessee becomes aware of the presence of any
Hazardous Substance in or on the Premises (except for those Hazardous Substances
or other toxic material or medical waste brought, kept or used in or on the
Premises by Lessee in commercial quantities similar to those quantities usually
kept on similar premises by others in the same business, profession or medical
specialty and which are used and kept in compliance with applicable public
health, safety and environmental laws) or if Lessee becomes, or the Premises
becomes, subject to any order of any federal, state or local agency to repair,
close, detoxify, decontaminate or otherwise cleanup the Premises, including but
not limited to the removal of the "closed in place" underground storage tank
identified on Schedule D, Part II or contamination related thereto, Lessee
shall, at its own cost and expense, carry out and complete any repair, closure,
detoxification, decontamination or other cleanup of the Premises; provided that
Lessee shall not be responsible for any of the foregoing relating to any
Hazardous Substance, or other toxic materials or medical waste located on, in or
under the Premises on the Commencement Date or arising after the Commencement
Date as a result of the acts of either or both of Lessors or of third parties,
all of which shall be the responsibility of Lessors to the extent permitted by
law. Lessors shall promptly execute and complete any required repair, closure,
detoxification, decontamination or other clean-up of the Premises. In conducting
any such activity, Lessors shall use their best efforts not to interfere with
the operations of the business of Lessee or the Hospital. If either party fails
to implement and diligently pursue any such repair, closure, detoxification,
decontamination other cleanup of the Premises which is required hereunder, the
other party shall have the right, but not the obligation, to carry out such
action and to recover all of the costs and expenses of doing so from the other.

                                       21
<PAGE>

         14. Notices, Demands and Other Instruments. All notices, offers,
consents and other instruments given pursuant to this Lease shall be in writing
and shall be validly given when actually delivered or sent by a courier or
express service guaranteeing overnight delivery, (i) if to Lessors, addressed to
them at their respective addresses set forth above, (ii) if to Lessee, addressed
to Lessee at its address set forth above. Lessors and Lessee each may from time
to time specify, by giving fifteen (15) days notice to each other party, (i) any
other address in the United States as its address for purposes of this Lease and
(ii) any other person or entity that is to receive copies of notices, offers,
consents and other instruments hereunder.

         15. Separability; Binding Effect; Governing Law. Each provision of this
Lease hereof shall be separate and independent and, the breach of any such
provision by either party shall not discharge or relieve the other party from
its obligations to perform each and every covenant to be performed by the
non-breaching party hereunder. If any provision hereof or the application
thereof to any person or circumstance shall to any extent be invalid or
unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof, or the application of such
provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is invalid
or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each provision hereof shall
be valid and shall be enforceable to the extent permitted by law; provided,
however, the foregoing provisions of this sentence shall not be applied to this
Lease or used in the interpretation thereof if to do so would result in either
the Lessors or the Lessee being deprived to a substantial degree or extent of
their respective "benefit of the bargain" provided for herein. All provisions
contained in this Lease shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be
enforceable by, the respective successors and permitted assigns of Lessors and
Lessee to the same extent as if each such successor and assign were named as a
party hereto. This Lease may not be changed, modified or discharged except by a
writing signed by Lessors and Lessee. Any such change, modification or discharge
made otherwise than as expressly permitted by this paragraph shall be void. This
Lease shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the
State of New Mexico.

         16. Headings and Table of Contents. The table of contents and the
headings of the various Sections and Schedules of this Lease have been inserted
for reference only and shall not be interpreted to effect, modify, amend or
change the terms and provisions set forth in the sentences and paragraphs
hereof.

         17. Counterparts. This Lease may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

                                       22
<PAGE>

         18. Memorandum of Lease. Upon request of either party hereto, the
parties shall execute and deliver to each other duplicate originals of a
Memorandum of this Lease, in recordable form, containing the minimum information
required by law for recording the same; provided, however, that in any event
such Memorandum shall include the legal description of the Land and shall set
forth the Term, Extended Term, and the substance, terms and provisions of the
options contained in Sections 2.2 and 2.3 hereof.

         19. Assignment of Existing Leases. Lessors hereby assign to Lessee all
of their right, title and interest as Lessors in, to and under those certain
leases affecting the Premises which are existing and in effect as of the
Execution Date and listed on Schedule 1.1(b)(i) of the Asset Purchase Agreement
and made a part hereof (hereinafter the "Existing Assumed Leases"), and Lessee
hereby agrees to assume to the extent disclosed to Lessee, all of Lessors'
obligations, covenants and agreements as Lessors under the Existing Assumed
Leases arising from and after the Commencement Date. Lessee shall be entitled to
collect and receive all such rents and other sums from the lessees under the
Existing Assumed Leases payable or accruing on and after the Commencement Date,
and Lessee and Lessors agree that the Existing Assumed Leases shall upon this
assignment become subleases which are subject and subordinate to this Lease.
Lessors have obtained any necessary third-party consents in respect of such
subordination. To the extent Lessors were not required to and did not obtain the
consent of a lessee (sublessee) under any Existing Assumed Lease, Lessee shall
notify each such lessee (sublessee) under any Existing Assumed Lease of this
assignment. To the extent the Lessors receive any rents relating to the Existing
Assumed Leases, they shall promptly forward such rents to Lessee.

         20. No Partnership. The parties hereto intend the relationship created
by this Lease to be that of lessors and lessee and do not intend for the
arrangement between them to be a partnership for any purpose.

         21. Purchase of Equipment, Leasehold Improvements and Net Working
Capital at End of Term. Upon expiration or termination of this Lease, except a
termination pursuant to Section 2.2 or Section 2.3(b) hereof, Lessors may
purchase: (i) all equipment owned by Lessee and used by Lessee in the operation
of the Premises which has been purchased within the last three years prior to
the date of such expiration or termination and; (ii) any and all leasehold
improvements completed and/or installed by Lessee on or in the Premises within
the last three years prior to the date of the expiration or termination;
provided, however, Lessors shall not have the right to purchase such equipment
without also purchasing such leasehold improvements and vice versa. If Lessors
and Lessee do not reach agreement regarding Lessors' purchase of such equipment
and leasehold improvements, Lessee may

                                       23
<PAGE>

remove them from the Premises, providing only that in so removing them Lessee
causes only so much damage to the Premises as is reasonable. Lessee shall be
under no obligation to repair any such reasonable damage. Upon expiration or
earlier termination of this Lease, Lessors, at their option, may purchase (i)
all of the personal property owned by Lessee and used exclusively in the
operations of the Premises and (ii) the Net Working Capital (defined as Patient
Accounts Receivable (net of allowances), Other Receivables, Inventories and
Other Current Assets less Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses and Other) of
Lessee relating to the operation of the Premises as of the last day of the Term
or Extended Term, as the case may be, corresponding to the "Net Working Capital"
items purchased by Lessee from Lessors pursuant to the provisions set forth in
the Asset Purchase Agreement. The purchase price paid by Lessors for such
personal property, equipment and leasehold improvements shall be the then net
book value of such equipment, personal property and leasehold improvements at
the date of expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, based on Lessee's
books and records which shall be kept in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles consistently applied, except for the inclusion of
footnotes and normal year end adjustments. Lessee shall transfer and convey the
same by bill of sale, free of all liens and Lessors shall pay the purchase price
in cash in return for delivery of a bill of sale.

         22. Department of Health and Human Services Regulation. Until the
expiration of four years after the expiration or earlier termination of the Term
of this Lease, Lessors will make available to the Secretary, U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Comptroller General, and their
representatives, this Lease and all books, documents, and records necessary to
certify the nature and extent of Lessors' costs with respect to this Lease and
the Premises. If Lessors carry out any of their duties under this Lease through
a subcontract worth $10,000 or more over a 12-month period with a related
organization, the subcontract will also contain an access clause to permit
access by the Secretary, Comptroller General, and their representatives to the
related organization's books and records.

         23. Representations and Warranties. All statements by the Lessors
hereto or in the schedules, documents, instruments, or exhibits delivered to the
Lessee pursuant hereto shall be deemed representations and warranties of the
Lessors regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of Lessee.
Furthermore, the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made by
the Lessors herein shall survive the Closing.

         24. Guaranty. Parent hereby guarantees to Lessors the full and prompt
payment and performance by Lessee of Lessee's financial obligations and duties
under this Lease and any and all of Lessee's successors' or assigns'

                                       24
<PAGE>

obligations and duties under this Lease provided, however, there shall be no
obligation of Parent hereunder unless and until the Lessors have made
commercially reasonable efforts to pursue Lessee's performance hereunder which,
in no event, shall require the initiation of litigation against Lessee. Parent
will pay all costs, expenses and fees, including all reasonable attorneys' fees,
which may be incurred by Lessors in any successful proceeding instituted to
enforce the duties and obligations of Parent set forth in this Section 24
following any default on the part of Parent hereunder. Parent will execute and
deliver such other agreements, documents and instruments as may be reasonably
required to evidence further Parent's obligations set forth in this Section 24.

         25. Expenses. Each party shall pay their own fees and expenses and
those of their agents, advisors, attorneys and accountants with respect to the
Lease, the Asset Purchase Agreement and the documents contemplated herein and
therein. The additional costs of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the
Asset Purchase Agreement shall be paid in accordance with Section 12.7 of the
Asset Purchase Agreement.

         26. The Asset Purchase Agreement and Schedules. The Asset Purchase
Agreement and Schedules A, B, C and D, referred to in this Lease are hereby
incorporated by reference herein.

                  [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

                                       25
<PAGE>
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this agreement
as of the date and year first written above.

                                        LESSORS:

                                        CITY OF LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO

                                        By:    /s/  James A. Ericson
                                               -------------------------------
                                        Name:  James A. Ericson
                                        Title: City Manager

Attest:

  /s/  Esther Martinez
----------------------------
Deputy City Clerk

Signed, sealed and delivered
on the 21st day of May, 2004,
in the presence of:

  /s/  XXX
----------------------------
Witness

  /s/  Mary G. Espinosa
----------------------------
Notary Public
Dona Ana County, New Mexico

<PAGE>

                                       LESSORS:

                                       COUNTY OF DONA ANA, NEW MEXICO

                                       By:    /s/  Brian D. Haines
                                              --------------------------------
                                       Name:  Brian D. Haines
                                       Title: County Manager

Attest:

  /s/  Rita Torres
----------------------------
County Clerk

Signed, sealed and delivered
on the 21st day of May, 2004,
in the presence of:

  /s/  XXX
-----------------------------
Witness

  /s/  Mary G. Espinosa
-----------------------------
Notary Public
Dona Ana County, New Mexico

<PAGE>

                                       LESSEE:

                                       PHC - LAS CRUCES, INC.

                                       By:    /s/  Tom Anderson
                                          ------------------------------------
                                       Name:  Tom Anderson
                                       Title: Vice President

Signed, sealed and delivered
on the 6th day of May, 2004,
in the presence of:

  /s/  Melissa D. Smith
----------------------------
Witness

  /s/  Linda D. Miller
----------------------------
Notary Public
Davidson County, Tennessee

                                       PROVINCE HEALTHCARE COMPANY

                                       By:  /s/ Tom Anderson
                                          ------------------------------------
                                       Name:  Tom Anderson
                                       Title: Vice President

Signed, sealed and delivered
on the 6th day of May, 2004,
in the presence of:

  /s/  Melissa D. Smith
-----------------------------
Witness

  /s/  Linda D. Miller
-----------------------------
Notary Public
Davidson County, Tennessee

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