Marvin O'Quinn, head of Jackson Health System, resigned Friday to accept a top job with Catholic Healthcare West, a system of more than 40 hospitals and medical centers in California, Arizona and Nevada.

''While I am saddened to be leaving Jackson, my wife and I look forward to being closer to our family members, many of whom live out West,'' O'Quinn said in a letter to employees that was sent to The Miami Herald as a news release. ``This was not an easy decision for me. I truly love Jackson, and I feel it has given me far more than I could have ever expected.''

O'Quinn said he had accepted a job as executive vice president/chief operating officer with the Catholic group. He will remain with Jackson through December.

Public hospitals throughout the nation have been battered recently, struggling with growing numbers of uninsured persons and decreasing amounts of public support. Jackson, too, falls into that category.

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Javier Souto, a Public Health Trust board member, praised O'Quinn but said Jackson's future for the next several years looks bleak.

''I think we're going to miss him,'' Souto said.

Souto said the county often acts as a safety net for Jackson, this past year passing along about $60 million.

Souto also said O'Quinn has discussed the hospital's plight at length recently, often pulling out pie charts to make his point. The underlying theme: It won't be the same hospital in five years.

''In the past, monies came from the state. The federal government would also come to the rescue,'' said Souto. ''I think things are going to get worse at Jackson for many reasons. The half-cent sales tax which used to bring in between $120 million and $130 million a year, is now down to $70 million or $80 million,'' because of the declining economy.

O'Quinn started at Jackson as chief executive five years ago after a national search. His career began 30 years ago as a hospital orderly and he rose to top positions at New York City and New Jersey hospitals before coming to Miami.

Jackson spokesman Robert Alonso said Friday afternoon that O'Quinn was not available for an interview. ``He is not here today. He had a previously scheduled trip up north with his wife. He left around noon today.''

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