NEW YORK – (Standard&Poor's CreditWire) Sept. 23, 1999—Standard&Poor's today affirmed its triple-'B'-plus rating on Rhode Island Health&Educational Facilities Building Corp.'s $18.25 million hospital revenue bonds, issued for Roger Williams General Hospital (RWGH). The rating reflects weakening operating performance and an increasingly consolidating competitive service area, offset by improving utilization and a good liquidity position. The negative outlook reflects a decline in the revenue base and a continuing drop in operating performance. The bonds are secured by a gross revenue pledge of the hospital. Admissions and outpatient visits increased by 5.4% (7,600) and 1.2% (82,346), respectively, in fiscal 1998. However, in 1998 a 6% shift in the payor mix from Medicare to Medicare managed care
