NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) March 20, 2003--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today it assigned its 'A-1+' rating to Trinity Health, Mich.'s $150 million commercial paper notes, series 2003, and affirmed its 'AA-' rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on the outstanding bonds issued for Trinity Health, the Mercy Health Services Obligated Group, and Mercy Mt. Clemens Corp. The 'A-1+' rating is based on the 'AA-' rating, as well as the sufficiency of Trinity's assets in providing liquidity support for the program. The 'AA-' rating is based on the significant geographic dispersion of risk, a healthy balance sheet, and management's success in strategically directing the recently merged organization while continuing to improve operations. However, management will be challenged to effectively
