Back to the basics. Number of general hospitals grows for the first time in years despite slim margins, lagging reimbursements and a tight market.

After slipping 16.5% in the past quarter-century, the number of community hospitals is on the rise despite slim margins, lagging reimbursements and a tight capital market. Growth is spurred by the attractive demographics of fast-growing suburban areas, changing consumer tastes and the lure of big business from baby boomers and the elderly. One new facility is Florida Hospital-Flagler, left.