NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) June 22, 2004--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said it affirmed its 'AA' long-term rating and its 'AA' underlying rating (SPUR) on the outstanding health facility revenue bonds issued by a variety of issuers on behalf of Ascension Health, Mo. The 'A-1+' short-term rating on Ascension Health's various variable-rate demand bonds (VRDBs) was also affirmed. The outlook is stable. The bonds are secured by a GO pledge of the Ascension Health credit group. "The 'A-1+' rating reflects Ascension Health's ample liquidity combined with the quality of its short-term, short-duration assets, which are sufficient to meet potential puts," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Martin Arrick. The long-term rating reflects the maintenance of a solid operating profile;
