S&P Negative on University Community Hospital, Fla.

Standard & Poor’s said it revised its rating outlook to negative from stable and affirmed its BBB long-term rating on the Series 2008A and 1999B bonds issued by Hillsborough County Industrial Development Authority, Fla., for University Community Hospital Inc.

“The negative outlook reflects our view of UCH’s overall weaker financial profile as well as continued support for UCH-affiliate Helen Ellis and a weakening local economy,” said Standard & Poor’s credit analyst Margaret McNamara.

“Tempering UCH’s rating at this time is what we see as a strong market share and growing service lines, as well as several strategic initiatives that we believe could provide benefit to the system over the longer term; however, if operations continue to decline or if UCH’s balance sheet erodes further, the rating could be lowered,” McNamara said.

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