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The first framework for a core curriculum for health professionals has been published by Quality Assurance Agency benchmarking groups.

The two groups responsible for setting minimum standards in nursing and midwifery as well as in the professions allied to medicine (Pams) have produced an "emerging health professions framework", which is out for consultation.

Michael Pittilo, dean of the faculty of health and social care sciences at Kingston University and head of the benchmarking group for Pams, said: "We were surprised at the amount of common practice. These reports are seen by the Department of Health as phase one in terms of developing a common framework."

Professor Pittilo added: "It is very important not to leave it here but to include doctors and health professionals, such as paramedics and clinical scientists."

Robert Stout, dean of the faculty of medicine and health sciences at Queen's University, Belfast, and chair of the benchmarking group on medicine, said: "Once these benchmarks are finalised, the medical group needs to consider them. I am sure there are common practices medics could sign up to."