Everton Free School is pleased to share information about BEAT Breathlessness, a new community-based diagnostic service designed to support adults experiencing persistent or unexplained breathlessness.

Delivered by Everton in the Community in partnership with NHS services, the initiative is funded by the British Heart Foundation and supported by patient experts from The Pumping Marvellous Foundation.

The service provides rapid, accessible community diagnostics for individuals who may be living with conditions such as heart failure or COPD, helping ensure earlier identification and more effective treatment.

What is BEAT Breathlessness?

BEAT Breathlessness is a one-stop community diagnostic pathway for adults experiencing ongoing or unexplained breathlessness. It is designed to improve early detection of underlying cardiovascular and respiratory conditions and reduce delays in accessing specialist care.

Who should be referred?

Adults presenting with:

• Suspected heart failure or COPD
• Multiple health conditions with unclear diagnosis
• Ongoing breathlessness where hospital diagnostics are difficult to access

What the service provides

Patients referred into the pathway may receive:

• Blood pressure and heart rhythm checks (including AF detection)
• Point-of-care NT-proBNP testing
• AI-assisted echocardiography where appropriate
• Heart failure specialist nurse assessment and cardiology input
• AI-supported spirometry and FeNO testing with respiratory oversight

Benefits of the service

• Faster access to diagnostic testing
• Earlier identification of heart and lung conditions
• Reduced pressure on emergency services and hospital admissions
• Direct referral into NHS specialist pathways where needed

What happens next?

Patients receive same-day or rapid diagnostic results, which are shared directly with their GP. Where necessary, individuals are referred into appropriate NHS care pathways for ongoing treatment and support.

How to access the service

Referrals can be made via the local BEAT Breathlessness Hub.
Self-referrals are also accepted.

Please scan the QR code on the accompanying poster for full referral information.