DALLAS (Standard&Poor's) Feb. 4, 2008--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services revised its rating outlook on all of Ascension Health, Mo.'s bonds, issued by various issuers, to positive from stable, reflecting Ascension Health's position as the largest non-governmental not-for-profit health system in the country; coupled with Ascension's very strong cash flow, established operating performance, and sizeable unrestricted reserves. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'AA' long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on Ascension Health's revenue bonds (various series and issuers), and series 2005A subordinated revenue bonds. Standard&Poor's also affirmed its 'A-1+' short-term rating on Ascension Health's CP programs and on its various variable-rate demand bonds (VRDBs). "A higher rating is possible if the strength demonstrated
