Jackson Healthcare, an Alpharetta GA-based healthcare staffing firm, began a new division aimed at acquiring and operating hospitals. The division is called Jackson Hospital Affiliates.

"We feel we have the resources and management expertise 'to make a difference' in the quality and delivery of healthcare in the communities served by our hospitals," said Richard Jackson, chairman and CEO of Jackson Healthcare.

The company hired Gary Bell to serve as president of the new division. Bell was previously senior VP of acquisitions with Health Management Associates Inc., an operator of hospitals in the Southeast and Southwest, and chief development officer at MedCath Inc., an operator of hospitals and diagnostic centers.

Jackson Healthcare ranked No. 41 on Staffing Industry Analysts' list of largest U.S. staffing firms.