Northeast Georgia Health System recently received updated ratings from two of the world’s leading credit rating agencies.
Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings upgraded NGHS ratings from an “A” to “A+”. Components that influence the ratings include market position, service area, payor mix, operating risk and flexibility, quality of management and past financial performance, according to NGHS.
“These ratings place Northeast Georgia Health System among top performing non-profit hospitals and health systems across the nation and highlight the work we’re doing, under the governance of our volunteer board members, to remain strong so we can fulfill our mission of improving the health of our community in all we do,” Matt Hanley, MD, president and CEO of NGHS said.
The reports from Fitch and S&P cited that the health system’s investments in expanding its locations and services to increase people’s access to care; robotic heart surgery and histotripsy for liver cancer treatments; a focus on employee recruitment and retention through education, training, and flexible work arrangements; and responsible stewardship of its resources as reasons for the ratings upgrade and stable outlook.
“The national, state and local healthcare industry is evolving at a rapid pace, and so are we,” Brian Steines, chief financial officer for NGHS, said. “We’re pleased these national agencies recognized how our teams are adapting and overcoming challenges by continuously improving the care and support we provide our patients – often by finding innovative ways to deliver our services.”
