Wellola

Overview

Headquarters: Leeds, United Kingdom (with origins in Dublin, Ireland)
Categories: Screening, Monitoring & Telecare; Patient Communication Platform
Core Product: Wellola (Portasana – secure patient communication and telehealth platform)

Introduction

Wellola is a leading provider of secure patient communication platforms, designed to improve efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and enhance patient engagement across health and social care. Founded in 2016 by physiotherapist Sonia Neary and Dr. Greg Martin, Wellola has grown rapidly, serving over 750 healthcare organisations across the UK and Ireland.

Its flagship product, Portasana, is a modular, interoperable patient portal and telehealth solution that integrates seamlessly with existing clinical systems. By enabling secure messaging, video consultations, appointment scheduling, and access to patient records, Wellola empowers patients to take a more active role in their care while supporting providers to deliver services more efficiently.

Wellola’s mission is to “future‑proof patient communication”, shifting care from hospital to community settings and supporting preventative, self‑managed models of healthcare.

User Feedback: Strengths and Weaknesses

Feedback for Wellola comes from NHS and HSE case studies, Trustpilot testimonials, and sector reviews. Overall, sentiment is strongly positive, though some caveats are noted.

Positive Feedback

• Ease of use
  Patients and clinicians describe the platform as intuitive and accessible across desktop, mobile, and SMS.

• Secure communication
  Providers value the encrypted messaging and video consultation features, which ensure confidentiality and compliance with GDPR and NHS standards.

• Interoperability
  Wellola’s FHIR‑based APIs allow integration with EHRs and PAS systems, reducing duplication and ensuring continuity of care.

• Efficiency gains
  Case studies highlight reductions in missed appointments, travel time, and administrative workload.

• Patient empowerment
  Families and patients appreciate access to records, test results, and care pathways, which improve transparency and engagement.

• COVID‑19 response
  Wellola was widely adopted during the pandemic, with the Irish HSE deploying its platform to deliver remote care and reduce contagion risk.

• Customer support
  Testimonials highlight Wellola’s collaborative approach, with responsive support and training.

Negative Feedback and Caveats

• Learning curve for providers
  Some clinicians report that configuring care pathways and templates requires training.

• Integration challenges
  While FHIR‑based, integration with legacy systems can require custom development.

• Connectivity requirements
  As with all telehealth platforms, reliable internet access is essential, which can be a barrier in rural areas.

• Cost considerations
  Smaller practices note that while Wellola delivers strong value, subscription costs may be higher than basic alternatives.

• Patient digital literacy
  Some patients, particularly older adults, require support to use portals and apps effectively.

In summary, user sentiment is strongly positive around security, interoperability, and patient empowerment, while challenges include training, integration, and digital literacy.

Products and Capabilities

Portasana Patient Communication Platform

Wellola’s flagship product is Portasana, a modular, cloud‑based platform. Key features include:

• Secure Messaging

  • Encrypted two‑way communication between patients and providers

  • Reduces reliance on phone calls and letters

  • Supports asynchronous communication

• Video Consultations

  • Integrated telehealth functionality

  • Reduces unnecessary in‑person visits

  • Supports multidisciplinary team meetings

• Appointment Scheduling

  • Patients can self‑book, reschedule, or cancel appointments online

  • Reduces no‑shows and administrative workload

• Patient Record Access

  • Patients can view aspects of their electronic health record

  • Access to progress notes, test results, and care plans

• Care Journeys

  • Configurable digital care pathways with educational content

  • Supports condition‑specific management (e.g., diabetes, COPD, smoking cessation)

• Forms and Symptom Tracking

  • Digital forms for pre‑consultation data collection

  • Symptom monitoring tools for long‑term conditions

• Device Integration

  • Compatible with remote monitoring devices

  • Supports preventative and community‑based care models

• Analytics and Reporting

  • Dashboards for providers to track engagement and outcomes

  • Data to support population health management

Interoperability and Standards

Wellola is designed as a secure, interoperable platform, with:

• FHIR‑based APIs: Seamless integration with EHRs and PAS systems

• GDPR compliance: Encryption, secure hosting, and audit trails

• ISO 27001 certification: Information security standards

• NHS DFOCVC framework: Approved supplier for primary care digital services

• Accessibility: WCAG 2.1 compliance for patient portals

Market Position

Wellola operates across the UK and Ireland, serving:

• NHS Trusts and hospitals

• HSE (Ireland)

• Community health services

• GP practices and clinics

• Allied health professionals

• Nursing and residential care providers

It differentiates itself through:

• Patient‑first design: Built by clinicians for clinicians and patients

• Comprehensive coverage: Messaging, video, scheduling, records, and care pathways

• Regulatory assurance: ISO 27001, GDPR, NHS frameworks

• Scalability: Suitable for small practices and large health systems

• Innovation: Care Journeys and proactive population health tools

Competitors include Patients Know Best, Accurx, and eConsult. Wellola positions itself as the modular, interoperable alternative, particularly attractive to providers seeking secure, patient‑centric communication.

Implementation and Support

Wellola emphasises a collaborative onboarding process, with:

• Demos and consultations

• Training for staff and administrators

• Dedicated account managers

• Responsive technical support

• Regular updates and feature enhancements

Providers report smooth implementation, though advanced configuration requires training.

Security and Data Protection

Wellola prioritises data security, with:

• GDPR compliance

• ISO 27001 certification

• Encryption and secure hosting

• Role‑based access controls

• Audit trails and accountability logs

• Disaster recovery protocols

Conclusion

Wellola is a leading provider of patient communication and telehealth platforms, offering a secure, modular, and interoperable solution that empowers patients and improves efficiency for providers. Its strength lies in combining secure messaging, video consultations, appointment scheduling, and care pathways into one platform, while ensuring compliance with NHS and EU standards.

User feedback consistently highlights security, interoperability, and patient empowerment, while challenges include training, integration, and digital literacy.

For providers seeking a trusted, patient‑centric communication platform that supports preventative, community‑based care, Wellola represents a credible and innovative option. Its emphasis on interoperability, security, and patient engagement positions it as a key player in the UK and Irish digital health market.

References

1. Wellola – Official Website https://www.wellola.com/

2. UK Digital Marketplace – Wellola Patient Communication Platform Service Definition PDF

3. Silicon Republic – Wellola: A Digital Health Platform to Reduce Hospital Overcrowding https://www.siliconrepublic.com/start-ups/wellola-sonia-neary-digital-health-portasana-hospital-overcrowding