A Liverpool woman is urging others to get checked after a simple community screening detected life-threatening heart failure.
Georgina, known as Gina, says a quick and free test at Everton in the Community’s (EitC) BEAT Breathlessness Hub saved her life after it revealed a serious heart condition that had previously gone undiagnosed.
The free programme is delivered by EitC and funded by the British Heart Foundation, in partnership with the University of Liverpool, NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, and heart failure charity the Pumping Marvellous Foundation.
A Life-Saving Discovery
Gina, 75, was already attending EitC’s Stand Together group for social support following the loss of her husband.
While at a session, she took up the offer of a BEAT Breathlessness screening via a simple finger-prick blood sample because she had been feeling short of breath.
The test revealed elevated NTproBNP levels, prompting an AI-assisted echocardiogram at The People’s Place.
This uncovered a diagnosis of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)—a condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively.
Gina had previously faced long hospital waiting lists and multiple cancellations for existing heart conditions.
Speaking about her experience, Gina said:
“The screening was amazing. I was sitting having my cup of tea at the Stand Together club on a Tuesday, and they were taking people over to the tests.
“I went over and had the [blood prick] test then went and sat back down.
“About ten minutes later, I was called back over, and they asked if I could go to one of EitC’s other hubs for an echocardiogram.”
“I went the following week, and I had that done, and the nurse there was lovely.
“She was talking to a doctor from Aintree Hospital and he asked to speak to me on the phone.
“He explained to me regarding the diagnosis of heart failure and about the need to start medications to help treat it.”
Impact of Community Screening
Since her diagnosis, Gina has undergone regular monitoring and medication optimisation.
She credits the charity with her survival:
“The doctor has me on medication now, which we’re pretty happy with, and it’s only thanks to Everton in the Community.
“I can’t thank them enough. They helped me after I lost Sam; we got over that together and with my friends around me.
“And my heart? You can’t any better than that.”
“If I hadn’t got the screening done, I’d still be waiting to go to the hospital for an appointment and facing cancellations until one day it would be too late.
“Everton, they’ve saved my life. They really have.”
About the BEAT Breathlessness Hub
Launched in 2023, the hub is England’s first community-based heart and lung screening centre. It targets the Liverpool City Region, which has some of the UK’s highest rates of cardiac illness.
Dr Sankaranarayanan, Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Lead for the project, explained:
“This innovative project, uses the application of BEAT (Breathlessness, Exhaustion, Ankle swelling, Time for a simple blood test-NTproBNP) proactively in the community, along with point of care AI-enabled diagnostics to diagnose heart failure and COPD, so life-saving treatments can be started promptly.”
James Yates, Health Screening Lead at EitC, added:
“Late diagnosis is a significant issue in deprived areas, and this project is changing that by bringing life-saving services closer to people’s homes.
“Attending a free BEAT Breathlessness screening is quick and simple, helping to support early detection and better outcomes for patients”
The service is available to those aged 40 and over without a GP referral. Locations include The People’s Place (L4 4DF), South Liverpool Treatment Centre (L19 2LW), and the Central Liverpool PCN Hub (L3 8JA).
For more information, email peoplesplace@evertonfc.com.
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