Place–based Access to Cardiovascular Equity (PACE)

About PACE

The PACE (Place-based Access to Cardiovascular Equity) Project is a pioneering five-year research programme led by Ulster University in partnership with eight universities across the UK.

Bringing together more than 30 experts in healthcare, digital innovation, medicine, engineering and public health, PACE aims to tackle inequalities in cardiovascular care and improve long-term health outcomes for people who are often underserved by existing services.

The project focuses on identifying and addressing barriers that prevent people from accessing timely diagnosis, treatment and support for cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol (dyslipidaemia).

Key Objectives

PACE will work across communities throughout Northern Ireland to:

Improve early identification of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidaemia.
Increase access to evidence-based treatments and preventative healthcare services.
Strengthen long-term support for people managing cardiovascular conditions.
Develop innovative care models using both digital and non-digital approaches.
Reduce health inequalities experienced by underserved and underrepresented populations.
Inform NHS policy and practice through robust research and real-world evidence.

Delivering Real Impact in Communities

At the heart of PACE is a commitment to working directly with communities to understand their needs and develop solutions that make a genuine difference.

The project will focus on supporting groups that often face greater barriers to healthcare, including:

People living in areas of socioeconomic deprivation
Women
Older adults
Ethnic minority communities
Individuals who experience challenges accessing traditional healthcare services

Through community-based research, local engagement activities and partnerships with organisations across the UK, PACE will help ensure that cardiovascular care is more equitable, accessible and effective.