Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has concluded a productive visit to Washington, D.C., where he met with key figures in the healthcare sector.
Nesbitt’s visit, timed to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, centered on bolstering transatlantic collaborations and investigating new strategies for improving health and social care services in Northern Ireland. His final engagement was a tour of George Washington University Hospital.
During the visit, Minister Nesbitt engaged with officials from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Georgetown University’s Global Health Institute, the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Centre, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and various healthcare providers, academics, and research institutions. The discussions primarily focused on best practices in reducing waiting lists, enhancing mental health services, and integrating advanced technology into healthcare delivery.
Speaking at the conclusion of the visit, Minister Nesbitt stated, “This visit has provided an invaluable opportunity to learn from international leaders in health and social care and to showcase Northern Ireland’s expertise on a global stage. While our health system faces considerable challenges, collaborating with partners in the US allows us to explore innovative solutions that will benefit patients and frontline staff alike.”
The Minister also participated in events related to the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Washington, emphasizing Northern Ireland’s potential as a leader in health technology, life sciences, and medical research.
In addition, Nesbitt took part in high-level discussions concerning cross-border collaboration in healthcare, underscoring the value 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 chance to strengthen relationships that will support Northern Ireland’s health sector. I anticipate building on these discussions in the coming months to achieve tangible improvements for patients,” the Minister added.
