NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's CreditWire) March 1, 2001--Standard&Poor's today affirmed its double-'A' and double-'A'/'A-1'-plus ratings 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 commercial paper notes issued for Ascension Health. The rating affirmation incorporates a review of Ascension Health's mid-year interim results and reflects: -- Considerable geographic and financial dispersion among system members; -- A solid financial profile, highlighted by light leverage, strong liquidity, and abundant cash flow; -- Improved operating performance in the first half of fiscal 2001, versus the prior year, although lower investment returns led to slightly weaker excess income for the period; -- An improved
