S&P Global Ratings raised Great Plains Health to an ‘A’
Contact: Megan McGown
CONTACT: Megan McGown, marketing manager | mcgownm@gphealth.org ∙ Office: 308.568.7531
January 31, 2020 – North Platte, NE-Standard and Poor Ratings raised its long-term rating on Great Plains Health to an ‘A’ with a stable outlook from an ‘A-‘, which is one of the highest marks for an independent hospital. S&P highlighted Great Plains Health’s continued strong financial performance, including a stable market position, good payor mix, strong economy and successful execution of the strategic plan.
The high ratings put Great Plains Health in an advantageous position to leverage its credit strength to refinance debt at more favorable interest rates. Great Plains Health will pay less on interest on its bonds and allow the organization to invest more of its money in patient care initiatives, including technology, skilled staff and infrastructure.
“The operating environment for rural hospitals is challenging, said Tom Legel, Great Plains Health CFO. “We have remained diligent in our efforts to build a sustainable operating model and this improved credit rating is a testament to the entire Great Plains Health team. The board of directors, leadership, physicians and staff are dedicated to not only providing high quality care, but also to ensure our hospital remains in a strong financial position to continue to meet the healthcare needs of the region.”
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About Great Plains Health
Based in North Platte, Nebraska, Great Plains Health is a fully accredited, 116-bed acute-care regional medical center serving western and central Nebraska, northern Kansas and southern South Dakota. With 90 physicians representing nearly 30 medical specialties, the Great Plains Health system offers advanced healthcare including heart and vascular, cancer and orthopedic surgery services. The system employs approximately 1,087 employees and serves a geographic area spanning approximately 67,832 square miles in 38 counties.
The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and is home to an American College of Surgeons accredited cancer center, primary stroke center and level II bariatric surgery program. Great Plains Health was named a Top Rural Hospital in 2019 by The Leapfrog Group, making it the first and only hospital in Nebraska to be named as a top hospital. For more information, visit gphealth.org.