MILWAUKEE, July 23 /EMWNews/ -- Fitch Ratings pointed Wednesday to

Aurora Health Care's strong management and integrated system as it

announced an upgrade in the ratings on Aurora's bonds.



    Fitch upgraded from A- to A its ratings on bonds issued through the

Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority.



    "The rating upgrade is based on Aurora Health Care's primary credit

strength of a low operating risk profile gained via its large, integrated

delivery system; its consistent improvement in operating profitability; and

its excellent management practices," Fitch said in its announcement.



    The rating agency also highlighted Aurora Health Care's achievements in

quality and cost control.



    "Aurora's integrated delivery model has allowed the system to achieve

quality measurements (as ranked by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid

Services) that are among the best in the country, while delivering that

care at costs that are among the lowest in the region," Fitch said.



    Nick Turkal, M.D., Aurora's president and chief executive officer,

welcomed the news.



    "We're certainly pleased with the Fitch analysts' assessment of our

progress," Dr. Turkal said. "We are striving to deliver real value to the

communities we serve, and that means providing the highest quality care

while also driving down the cost of care. Our patients deserve nothing

less."



    Aurora Health Care is a not-for-profit Wisconsin health care provider

and a national leader in efforts to improve the quality of care. Aurora

provides care at sites in more than 90 communities throughout eastern

Wisconsin.