Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on Salem Hospital Facility Authority, Ore.'s debt issued for Salem Hospital Regional Health Services (Salem Health) to 'A+' from 'A'. The outlook is stable. In addition, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'AAA/A-1+' rating on Salem Hospital's series 2008B variable-rate demand bonds (VRDBs). The long-term component of the rating is based jointly on the rating of Salem Health and the letter of credit (LOC) provider, U.S. Bank N.A. assuming low correlation. The short-term component of the rating is based solely on the short-term rating on the LOC provider. The upgrade on Salem Health reflects an improvement in its financial profile to very strong from strong due to overall
