One Founder’s Mission to Make the U.K. Health System Transparent
LONDON, UK — In an era where the transparency of healthcare services has become a critical demand, Find Care Compare, founded by Roxanne Stevenson-Brown in 2024, stands as the UK’s only dedicated platform that allows users to find, compare, and access both NHS and private mental health services. With a model akin to “Skyscanner” for the healthcare system, the platform aims to dismantle the barriers to mental health care access by providing users with real-time, detailed comparisons of available services.
The Genesis of Find Care Compare
The inspiration for Find Care Compare is deeply rooted in Roxanne Stevenson-Brown’s extensive experience within the National Health Service (NHS). Over the years, she held several senior operational roles in diverse areas, including cancer care, neurosciences, and health technology. During this period, she observed the growing divide between patients and the health system, particularly in mental health services.
In her own words, Stevenson-Brown recognized that “health inequalities are widening, and inaccessibility to services is one of the key contributors.” With two million people currently on NHS mental health waiting lists and waiting times stretching to several years for some treatments, the need for an innovative solution became undeniable.
Drawing from this firsthand experience, she founded Find Care Compare to address the severe information gap between patients and available healthcare services. “The NHS and wider health system don’t have to be confusing,” she says. “There are countless services that can offer real value, but they remain underutilized simply because people don’t know they exist.”
A Unique Value Proposition
What sets Find Care Compare apart from other health-tech platforms is its user-centric approach to navigating both NHS and private mental health services. Unlike many platforms that focus solely on one aspect of care, Find Care Compare offers a dual comparison of services, catering to a broad range of user needs, from affordability to specialized care options.
The platform allows users to filter services by various criteria, including waiting times, location, price, language capabilities, and the type of service offered. “We provide a much-needed tool for patients to access real-time data, helping them make informed decisions about their mental health care,” Stevenson-Brown explains.
The ability to view and compare both NHS and private mental health services under one platform not only saves time but also empowers users to choose the most appropriate treatment options, a critical factor in mental health care.
Rapid Growth and Early Milestones
Since launching its Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in 2024, Find Care Compare has achieved remarkable milestones. Within just six months, the platform expanded to eight counties across the UK and garnered a user reach of over 100,000. The platform also secured its first revenue, signaling strong market validation.
Among the platform’s significant achievements is the formation of an advisory board, which includes experts such as Lawrence Tallon, Isaac Ezro-Lack, and Professor Stephen Scott CBE, all of whom bring substantial expertise to the company’s growth and strategic direction.
In addition to these achievements, Find Care Compare successfully obtained grant funding from King’s College London, enabling further expansion of its operations and infrastructure.
“The grant funding from King’s College London has been pivotal in helping us accelerate our development,” Stevenson-Brown states. “It’s given us the resources to bring our vision to life and expand beyond London.”
Overcoming Challenges in the Health-Tech Space
Launching Find Care Compare wasn’t without its challenges. As is the case with many health-tech startups, navigating the complexities of the NHS, patient privacy regulations, and the overall sensitivity of mental health data posed significant hurdles.
“The size and scale of the problem we are solving is enormous, and launching an MVP was daunting. But through King’s College London’s Accelerator Program, I was able to refine my approach,” Stevenson-Brown reflects. “After a strategic workshop, we outlined a phased rollout and launched our MVP focused on mental health services in London just three weeks later.”
Despite the challenges, the positive feedback and early user adoption reinforced the necessity of the platform, validating Find Care Compare’s approach. “This is a problem that requires immediate solutions,” she adds. “Every day, patients are being denied timely access to the care they need, and we can’t afford to wait.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding Access to Mental Health Services
As Find Care Compare continues to grow, the company’s immediate focus is on expanding its offerings to cover all regions in the UK. The next phase includes the national rollout of the platform’s mental health services, making it available to patients across the country.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that patients, regardless of location or background, have access to the right care at the right time,” Stevenson-Brown explains. “Our goal is to be the primary platform for mental health service access in the UK and beyond.”
The team is also exploring partnerships with various mental health organizations and health authorities to further enhance the platform’s value proposition and ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of its service offerings.
The Role of Technology in Transforming Healthcare
For Stevenson-Brown, the core of Find Care Compare’s success lies in the utilization of technology to bridge information gaps. “We are a tech-driven business, and technology has allowed us to scale rapidly, reaching a larger audience than would have been possible with traditional methods,” she says.
The platform’s user-friendly interface and real-time data analytics empower patients to make better choices about their mental health care, fostering greater transparency and trust in the healthcare system.
“Information is rapidly becoming the most impactful determinant of health. The majority of people now expect this level of transparency in every industry—so why not healthcare?” Stevenson-Brown asks. “Our platform not only gives patients control over their health decisions but also democratizes healthcare access.”
Personal Insights and Lessons Learned
Stevenson-Brown’s journey as a founder has been a learning experience, and she acknowledges the importance of pre-launch preparation. “If I could go back, I would have worked harder to build hype and generate interest in our service before launch,” she reflects. "Getting people excited about the problem we’re solving earlier would have made a huge difference."
When asked about setbacks, she emphasizes resilience: “Building something from scratch always comes with challenges, but I’ve learned to keep pushing forward and focus on the long-term vision, especially when things don’t go as planned.”
Work-Life Balance and Future Aspirations
As a founder, maintaining a balance between work and personal life is critical. “Time blocking has been essential for managing my day,” she says. “I prioritize strategic goals and keep my focus sharp by setting realistic, time-bound objectives.”
Stevenson-Brown also credits running as a tool for staying mentally and physically grounded. “I’m currently training for the Geneva Marathon in 2025,” she says. “Running helps me clear my mind and maintain a sense of balance amidst the chaos of startup life.”
Looking ahead, Stevenson-Brown remains resolute in her commitment to Find Care Compare’s mission. “There’s no other venture I’d rather be working on,” she concludes. "This is where I can make the most impact."
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those considering starting their own business, Stevenson-Brown offers the following advice: “Work hard, stay focused, and be kind to yourself. The journey can be tough, but perseverance and self-compassion are key.”
Connect with Roxanne Stevenson-Brown
To follow Roxanne Stevenson-Brown’s journey and learn more about Find Care Compare, connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on Instagram (@roxanne__sb).