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A pair of pharmacists turned entrepreneurs from Northern Ireland have developed a pharmacy consultation app they say could save the NHS £1.7bn per year through “promoting smarter use of OTC medicines” and reducing pressure in the health system. 

Neil Sharpe of Donaghcloney and Stephen Toland of Derry have launched a beta-phase version of the app, which is named ConsultTed, in a number of pharmacies in Northern Ireland with a “full roll out” across the island of Ireland slated for August this year.

The pair claim the app, which is backed by a six-figure investment, could generate up to £30,000 a year in revenue for each pharmacy that uses it “without increasing workload”. 

It “provides a scalable, auditable and accessible system for pharmacy teams to consult, advise, treat or refer patients,” they said, adding that they are seeking partnerships with stakeholders to position the appas the “leading minor illness consultation platform across the UK and Ireland”. 

Mr Toland said: “Community pharmacy has so much 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.”

Mr Sharpe commented: “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. We are open to new partnerships and committed to seeing this vision through.”