NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's CreditWire) May 16, 2001--Standard&Poor's today affirmed its double-'A' rating, its double-'A'/'A-1'-plus rating, and its double-'A' underlying rating (SPUR) on the outstanding bonds issued for Ascension Health, Mo. In addition, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'A-1'-plus rating on the outstanding commercial-paper notes issued for Ascension Health. The rating affirmation incorporates a review of Ascension Health's nine-month-interim results for the period ended March 31, 2001, and reflects: -- Considerable geographic and financial dispersion among system members, but also a growing reliance on the Central Indiana Health System's strong performance to support the overall system; -- A solid financial profile, highlighted by a strong balance sheet, positive operating income, abundant cash flow, and debt-service coverage; --
