William Kennedy, from Kilbirnie, has credited a pioneering NHS Ayrshire & Arran heart failure service with saving his life and hopes it can help other Ayrshire residents. The BEAT to TREAT service aims to identify and treat heart disease within days rather than months, a stark contrast to typical delays.
Rapid Diagnosis and Treatment
Board members heard how Kennedy struggled with worsening breathlessness and leg swelling before being referred to the BEAT to TREAT pilot at the Kilmarnock Community Hub. He had repeatedly sought medical help and was so breathless he struggled to climb stairs. His wife, a nurse with 30 years' experience, pushed for further investigation as his condition deteriorated.
After referral, Kennedy was seen within about 10 days. Tests confirmed heart failure, and he was admitted to hospital for treatment the same day. Two days later, he was discharged. Speaking in a recorded patient story presented to the Board, Kennedy said: “The staff were absolutely amazing. The difference in how I felt afterwards was incredible. I started walking again and gradually became more active. Before treatment I struggled badly, but now I can get out and about again. It’s been an amazing transformation.”
Innovative Approach
The BEAT to TREAT initiative diagnoses and begins heart failure treatment within 60 minutes using blood tests, ECGs, and AI-supported echocardiography. According to a report presented to the Board, around 80 per cent of heart failure cases are currently diagnosed after an emergency hospital admission, despite many patients experiencing earlier symptoms. Patients diagnosed during admission are twice as likely to die as those diagnosed in a community setting, largely due to delayed treatment.
The pilot is available to patients in North and East Ayrshire whose GP practices would normally refer them to University Hospital Crosshouse cardiology services. Gaynor Campbell, Senior Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Cardiology and project lead, told Board members the service is the first in Scotland to use AI-supported echocardiography in this way. Patients attend a single community appointment for tests and, if heart failure is confirmed, begin evidence-based treatment immediately.
Future Expansion
An evaluation will be conducted at the pilot's end, with plans to assess expanding the model into other health and social care partnership areas across Ayrshire. Board chair Lesley Bowie described the project as “a great example of Caring for Ayrshire in action”, showing how people can access treatment close to home, receive a quick diagnosis, and begin treatment without delay.
