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                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.2

                                              NEWS RELEASE
                                              FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                              CONTACT:  MERILYN H. HERBERT
                                              VICE PRESIDENT, INVESTOR RELATIONS
                                              (615) 370-1377



                  PROVINCE HEALTHCARE ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF
                               LOUISIANA HOSPITAL

         Brentwood, Tenn., September 10, 2001 -- Province Healthcare Company
(Nasdaq: PRHC-news) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to
acquire, through a long-term lease, Lakewood Medical Center in Morgan City,
Louisiana. The 168-bed hospital will be acquired from the Hospital Service
District No. 2 of the Parish of St. Mary for approximately $14.6 million.

         Lakewood Medical Center had revenues in its last fiscal year of
approximately $20.0 million. The sale is expected to close October 31, 2001,
following a public referendum scheduled for October 20, 2001, and subject to
closing conditions specific to this transaction. Additionally, Province
Healthcare will manage the hospital until closing the acquisition.

         Martin S. Rash, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Province said,
"Lakewood Medical Center is a most attractive acquisition for our Company. The
facility is in excellent condition, has a service area of approximately 82,000
people, and is the only hospital in the community of Morgan City. By bringing
new services, state-of-the-art equipment and additional, highly-qualified
physicians to the community, the residents will be able to obtain their
healthcare at home."

         Province Healthcare is a provider of health care services in attractive
non-urban markets in the United States. The Company owns or leases 16 general
acute care hospitals in 11 states with a total of 1,758 licensed beds. The
Company also provides management services to 36 primarily non-urban hospitals in
13 states with a total of 2,981 licensed beds.

CONTACT: Merilyn H. Herbert, Province Healthcare Company (PRHC) at
         (615) 370-1377