Hospitals 'to be assessed by credit ratings agencies' The system would work along the lines of a similar set-up in the electricity market, giving the regulator warning of financial difficulties building up, but critics questioned the use of ratings agencies "interested solely in financial bottom lines." Monitor stressed that its paper was a consultative document. However Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, told the newspaper: "This news will send a chill wind through the NHS. People will shudder at the thought of an NHS at the mercy of the money markets, where profits come before patient care. The Institute for Public Policy Research, a think-tank, warned: "Ratings agencies do not have a health, let alone NHS, perspective and are by definition interested solely in bottom lines." A Department of Health spokesman said it would be "completely untrue" to suggest that hospitals would be "assessed solely on their financial position and not on quality of care." He said that the Care Quality Commission existed to ensure good quality care and that patients were treated with "dignity and respect." The spokesman added: "Monitor's job is to ensure that hospitals have sound finances so that they can have a sustainable future. Good financial management will support not undermine good quality care for patients.