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Heart pilot praised by Kilbirnie man

today24/06/2026 7

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A man has credited a pioneering NHS Ayrshire & Arran heart failure service with saving his life after he received a diagnosis and treatment within days of referral.

William Kennedy from Kilbirnie had been suffering from worsening breathlessness and swelling in his legs before being referred to the BEAT to TREAT pilot service based at Kilmarnock Community Hub.

After attending an appointment around 10 days later, tests confirmed heart failure and he was admitted to hospital for treatment the same day before being discharged two days later.

The service aims to diagnose and begin treatment for heart failure within 60 minutes using blood tests, ECGs and AI-supported echocardiography.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran says the pilot is currently available to patients in North and East Ayrshire who would normally be referred to cardiology services at University Hospital Crosshouse.

Written by: Evan Warrander

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