OREANDA-NEWS. S&P Global Ratings assigned its 'A-1+' short-term rating to the Illinois Finance Authority's taxable commercial paper notes, series A, issued on behalf of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare (NMHC). At the same time, S&P Global Ratings affirmed its 'AA+' long-term rating on the authority's series 2013, 2009A, and 2009B bonds, and its 'AA+/A-1+' dual rating on the authority's series 2002C bonds. The series 2013 bonds were issued on behalf of NMHC, while the series 2002C, 2009A, and 2009B were issued on behalf of Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Finally, S&P Global Ratings affirmed its 'AA+' long-term rating on the authority's series 2009 and 2009B fixed-rate revenue bonds issued for Central DuPage Health (CDH) and its underlying rating (SPUR) on the authority's series 2002D and 2003A hospital fixed-rate revenue bonds issued for Delnor Community Hospital (Delnor). CDH and Delnor together previously operated as CDH-Delnor Health System, doing business as Cadence Health, and is a member of the NMHC obligated group. The outlook, where applicable, is stable.

"The ratings reflect our view of NMHC's strong operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2016," said S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Brian Williamson.

The stable outlook reflects our opinion that the system will maintain strong operations as NMHC's leadership continues to improve on its strategies to maintain the expense base while investing in facilities and expanding the system through affiliations.