Orlando Health doesn't want to become a partner in a bigger hospital chain, after all. The not-for-profit Orlando-based hospital network announced Wednesday that it will end its explorations begun last fall for a partner for merger or acquisition, and instead will remain independent and Orlando-based. Orlando Health's decision bucks a national trend of mergers of hospital chains. Many are trying to consolidate resources, both to reduce costs and expand market strength to better compete in the Affordable Care Act health-care industry. It also reflects that the hospital company's board has decided Orlando Health has turned the corner financially after a difficult stretch in 2012 and 2013 left it looking for a possible new owner.
