NI Must Work With US To Improve Healthcare

Northern Ireland must work with US health business and academic leaders if it is to improve patient care.

This was the message from health Minister Edwin Poots as he addressed around 100 delegates at the Telehealthcare Leaders Forum held in Newport, Rhode Island.

Mr Poots briefed delegates on how Northern Ireland is responding to the health challenges facing the region.

Speaking after the conference, the Minister said: "During this conference, I’ve conveyed how keen Northern Ireland is to work with health, business and academic leaders to improve the health of our citizens. I have made it clear that Northern Ireland will invest in innovations, which will reduce the workload of our health professionals.

"I have told technology companies that they can do business in Northern Ireland and I’ve asked academics to bring their learning to our universities. I want delegates to come away with the view that Northern Ireland is an innovative, forward-thinking and dynamic place to invest, learn from and use as a research base.

"In Northern Ireland, we have the fastest growing population in the UK, and an increasing ageing population. It is estimated that in the 11 years from 2009 to 2020 the number of people over 75 will increase by 40%. While this changing demographic profile represents a positive trend – people are living longer - it brings with it significant challenges for our health and social care services.

"Not only are we rising to that challenge, we are now leading the way in this field. I have told delegates about the initiatives we are putting in place to improve the health of our region, make our health service more sustainable and support our economy."

(IT/H)