Nesbitt Concludes Washington Visit Focused On Healthcare Innovation

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has completed his visit to Washington DC, where he held discussions with prominent figures in the healthcare sector.

The trip, which coincided with St Patrick's Day celebrations, aimed to foster stronger transatlantic partnerships and investigate innovative strategies to enhance health and social care services in Northern Ireland. His final engagement included a tour of the George Washington University Hospital.

During his time in the US capital, Minister Nesbitt met with senior representatives from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the Global Health Institute at Georgetown University, the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Centre, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the US Department of Health and Human Services. He also engaged with leading healthcare providers, academics, and research institutions.

Discussions during the visit centred on sharing best practices in addressing waiting lists, improving mental health services, and integrating advanced technology into healthcare delivery. Reflecting on his visit, Minister Nesbitt stated: "This visit has been an invaluable opportunity to learn from international leaders in health and social care and to showcase Northern Ireland's expertise on a global stage. Our health system faces significant challenges, but by engaging with partners in the US, we can explore innovative solutions that will benefit patients and frontline staff alike."

Alongside his healthcare-focused engagements, the Minister also participated in a number of events as part of the annual St Patrick's Day celebrations in Washington. These provided a platform to promote Northern Ireland's potential as a leader in health technology, life sciences, and medical research.

Furthermore, Minister Nesbitt was involved in high-level talks concerning the role of cross-border collaboration in healthcare, reinforcing the significance of shared learning between Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and international partners.

"I am grateful for the warm reception I received and for the opportunity to strengthen relationships that will support Northern Ireland's health sector. I look forward to building on these discussions in the months ahead to deliver real improvements for patients," the Minister concluded.