New app could save NHS £1.7 billion by tackling minor illness bottleneck
A groundbreaking new app developed by two Northern Ireland pharmacists could help save the NHS an estimated £1.7 billion annually by promoting smarter use of Over-The-Counter (OTC) medicines and reducing pressure on overstretched GPs and hospitals.
ConsultTed, a digital consultation platform created by friends and experienced pharmacists Neil Sharpe from Donaghcloney and Stephen Toland from Derry, empowers community pharmacies to take a leading role in managing minor illnesses. It could also boost the UK economy by £350 million a year by reducing unnecessary NHS visits and helping employees manage their health more efficiently.
Backed by a six-figure investment, the platform is already live in a number of pharmacies across Northern Ireland, with a full rollout across the island of Ireland planned by August 2025.
Last year alone, an estimated 30 million GP and hospital appointments could have been managed in pharmacies without the need for a prescription. ConsultTed provides a scalable, auditable and accessible system for pharmacy teams to consult, advise, treat or refer patients, improving outcomes for both patients and the wider health service.
It’s also set to generate up to £30,000 annually per participating pharmacy, without increasing workload – a much-needed financial boost for the independent pharmacy sector.
Speaking about the motivation behind the app, Stephen Toland, recently named Pharmacist of the Year at the Pharmacy in Focus NI Awards, said:
“Community pharmacy has so much more to offer in solving the healthcare crisis. By digitising the traditional everyday consultation and giving pharmacy teams the right tools, ConsultTed can be part of a real solution, helping patients access same-day treatment while alleviating unnecessary pressure on GPs and hospitals.”
The app is currently in beta phase, with more pilot sites launching across the Republic of Ireland in the coming weeks. ConsultTed has already been showcased in London, Dublin and New York, and the co-founders are part of The AMP Growth Incubator based in Derry’s Ebrington complex, having also secured a place on Invest NI’s prestigious Founder Labs Programme.
Looking ahead, Neil and Stephen plan to establish ConsultTed as the leading minor illness consultation platform across the UK and Ireland, forging new partnerships with healthcare stakeholders.
“Our vision is for ConsultTed to help restore healthcare to a more patient-friendly, accessible system, and for pharmacies to play an even greater role in frontline care,” added co-founder Neil Sharpe. “We are open to new partnerships and committed to seeing this vision through.”
