The ConsultTed app could save the NHS £1.7 billion a year and reduce pressure on GPs and hospitals via the smarter use of over-the-counter medicines.
A new app called ConsultTed, designed by two Northern Irish pharmacists, has claimed that it could save the NHS what it estimates as £1.7 billion a year by promoting smarter use of over-the-counter medicines which will reduce pressure on GPs and hospitals.
Backed by a six-figure investment, ConsultTed is a digital consultation platform which allows community pharmacies to take a leading role in managing minor illnesses via AI-powered consultations and standardised workflows. It 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.
The founders estimate that £30 million in GP and hospital appointments could have been managed in pharmacies without the need for a prescription last year.
“Community pharmacy has so much more to offer in solving the healthcare crisis,” said co-founder Stephen Toland.
“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.”
Beta phase
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 Founder Labs Programme.
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.
The founders now plan to establish ConsultTed as the leading minor illness consultation platform across the UK and Ireland.
“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,” said co-founder Neil Sharpe.
