Liverpool launches first UK BEAT Pharmacy

Liverpool has become the first city in the UK to launch the BEAT Pharmacy initiative, a community-based heart health assessment pilot designed to accelerate the early detection of heart failure and reduce health inequalities across the city. 

The initiative forms part of the wider BEAT Heart Failure programme, led by the University Hospitals of Liverpool Group and The Pumping Marvellous Foundation, in partnership with NHS Cheshire & Merseyside, the Liverpool Local Pharmacy Committee, and Liverpool City Council – Public Health. 

Beginning on 26 March, the first BEAT Pharmacy, which is based in Lower House Lane Pharmacy, will offer point of care NTproBNP blood testing for people experiencing BEAT symptoms.  
 
BEAT stands for the key symptoms to look out for: 
Breathlessness, feeling Exhausted, swollen Ankles, and knowing it’s Time to get checked. 

This rapid community testing supports the early identification of suspected heart failure, improves access to specialist assessment, and reduces time to diagnosis and treatment. 

Dr Nick Hartshorne-Evans, CEO and Founder of The Pumping Marvellous Foundation, shared: 
“Expanding access to point-of-care testing is essential for individuals at risk of heart failure, particularly those with existing cardiovascular conditions. Community pharmacy represents a scalable, community-based solution, enabling a preventative approach that uses technology to support earlier diagnosis and more timely intervention.” 

Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, said:  
“I’m proud to be part of the launch the BEAT Pharmacy initiative, a first for Liverpool and a major step in tackling the health inequalities highlighted in our Liverpool 2040 report. Community pharmacies are vital to early detection and prevention, and this model will make a real difference to patient outcomes. 

“By bringing rapid, accessible heart failure testing into the heart of our communities, BEAT Pharmacy will speed up diagnosis and treatment, improve patient experience, and help reduce health inequalities by ensuring that those at greatest risk can access timely, preventative cardiovascular care closer to home.” 

Two years on from the publication of State of Health in the City: Liverpool 2040, Liverpool continues to take bold action to address predicted increases in poor health outcomes and widening health inequalities. The report called for largescale, joined up action to tackle the preventable causes of ill health. 

Community pharmacies have been recognised as an essential part of this response, due to their accessibility, trust, and being embedded in neighbourhoods. Liverpool has already led the way by becoming the first city to provide emergency contraception through pharmacies alongside blood pressure checks, vaccinations, and the Pharmacy First service. 

Matthew Burgoyne, IP Pharmacist and Pharmacy Partner, said:  
“Lower House Pharmacy is excited to be working with The Pumping Marvellous Foundation and NHS partners to provide the UK’s 1st BEATHF Pharmacy service!  

“We understand the vital role Pharmacy has always played in our communities. But with developed clinical roles and advancement in technology, Pharmacy can play an even greater role in protecting our community’s health now and in the future.  

“Proactive screening for conditions such as Heart Failure, Atrial Fibrillation and high blood pressure is one of the ways Pharmacy can integrate and offer greater value to the NHS and better health outcomes for our communities. We hope this trial can lay the groundwork for permanent and national initiatives helping to unlock the potential Pharmacy can offer.” 

Professor Sankaranarayanan, Consultant Cardiologist UHLG and Honorary Associate Professor, said:  
“I am proud to support the UK’s 1st BEATHF Pharmacy Project which is a proactive, patient-centred approach highlighting the vital role for community clinical pharmacists in cardiovascular risk identification, early detection of atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure and heart failure, helping to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease through integrated care and point of care testing.” 
 
The BEAT Pharmacy initiative marks another first for Liverpool, expanding the role of pharmacy in cardiovascular prevention and early detection.