Mobile apps are to be the heartbeat of the NHS Information Strategy, says Giles Wilmore, senior responsible owner for the strategy.

“This is not something that could have been generated by the centre. We don’t want to run a big national procurement, but create something which harnesses the local dynamism and innovation,” he said.

"Innovation and technology can revolutionise the health service, and we are looking at how the NHS can use these apps for the benefit of patients, including how GPs could offer them for free."