A new digital platform developed by two Northern Ireland pharmacists could save the NHS up to
£1.7 billion annually by reducing unnecessary GP and hospital visits linked to minor illnesses.
ConsultTed, created by pharmacists Neil Sharpe (Donaghcloney) and Stephen Toland (Derry),
empowers community pharmacies to manage common health concerns-such as sore throats,
coughs and stomach bugs-directly and safely. The app encourages patients to use pharmacies as a
first port of call, easing pressure on overstretched healthcare services.
Backed by a six-figure investment, ConsultTed is already in use across several Northern Ireland
pharmacies. A full rollout across Ireland is planned by August 2025.
Last year alone, over 30 million GP and hospital appointments in the UK could have been handled
by pharmacies without a prescription. ConsultTed offers a scalable, auditable and clinically sound
system for pharmacy teams to consult, advise, treat or refer patients-saving time, money, and
unnecessary clinical interventions.
The platform could also boost the UK economy by £350 million per year through reduced workplace
absenteeism, while providing pharmacies with up to £30,000 annually in added income-without
increasing their workload.
“Community pharmacies have untapped potential to ease pressure on our healthcare system,” said
co-founder Stephen Toland, recently named Pharmacist of the Year at the Pharmacy in Focus NI
Awards. “With ConsultTed, we’re giving them the digital tools to deliver safe, same-day treatment for
minor illnesses-without the need to see a GP.”
Currently in beta testing, the app is launching pilot sites across the Republic of Ireland in the coming
weeks. It has already been showcased in London, Dublin and New York, with the co-founders also
part of the AMP Growth Incubator at Derry’s Ebrington complex. ConsultTed recently secured a
place on Invest NI’s Founder Labs Programme.
“Our goal is to make ConsultTed the go-to minor illness platform across the UK and Ireland,” added
co-founder Neil Sharpe. “We’re actively seeking partnerships with healthcare providers,
policymakers and pharmacy groups to help make pharmacy-first care the new normal.”