A call for sanctions to back up the government's new quality agenda was made this week after health secretary Frank Dobson launched an annual programme of national service frameworks.

The frameworks, promised in the white paper, The New NHS , would guarantee high-quality standards of care in every part of the country, Mr Dobson said.

The first two new areas to be covered from April next year are coronary heart disease and mental health. That was a 'brave' choice because they would not be easy areas, Institute of Health Services Management deputy director Suzanne Tyler said. 'There are going to have to be clearly defined guidelines and sanctions because simply disseminating information about good practice does not make people change their practice.'

Mr Dobson said the two new areas would draw on the experience of the Calman-Hine framework for cancer services and the framework launched last year for children's intensive care, and would mean frameworks would be in place for three of the main priority areas of the green paper, Our Healthier Nation .

One new area is intended to be added each year. Views on suitable topics are being invited from health authorities and trusts, community health councils and local authorities.