Got an idea for an App?

An App a day. That's the new slogan of health secretary Andrew Lansley who has launched a call for new ideas for health apps for smartphones that would help patients make informed decisions about their care.

Everyone is invited to submit new ideas for health apps and online maps they think would be useful such as the MHF's Bloke Noises app launched during Men's Health Week this year.

As part of this drive for ideas, Lansley is also asking people to vote for their favourite existing health applications. He said: 'We want to give people better access to information that will put them in control of their health and help make informed choices about their healthcare.

'Over the next six weeks, we want to hear from patients, health professionals and budding app developers on their ideal new app. This is a unique opportunity for the NHS and those who develop apps to not only showcase their work but bring to life new ideas and realise true innovation in healthcare.'

A panel of judges will choose the best apps to be showcased at an event in autumn. They are Dr Shaibal Roy, a doctor at the National Institute for Health Research; NHS Medical Director Sir Bruce Keogh, online Dragon’s Den judge Julie Meyer and Jennie Ritchie-Campbell from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Over the next six weeks, you can visit www.mapsandapps.dh.gov.uk and suggest favourite apps, ideas for apps or health maps and vote for ideas submitted by others. Got an idea for an App?