NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Feb. 29, 2008--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA-' standard long-term rating to Allegheny County Hospital Development, Pa.'s $500 million series 2008A revenue bonds, issued for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'AA-' standard long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on the various bonds, issued for UPMC, and affirmed its dual ratings of 'AA-/A-1+' on various UPMC bonds. "The rating is based on UPMC's solid financial profile, highlighted by historically solid operating performance and debt service coverage, as well as its improved balance sheet through fiscal 2007, highlighted by sustained improvements in liquidity, moderate leverage and recent increases in net property, plant, and equipment,"
