Nesbitt hails US visit as boost for Northern Ireland healthcare innovation

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt pictured with staff at Meharry Medical School in Nashville.

Northern Ireland’s Health Minister has said a high-profile visit to the United States has opened new doors for innovation, partnerships and global collaboration in healthcare.

Mike Nesbitt’s trip, which ran from 16–21 March and coincided with St Patrick’s Day engagements, took in Washington DC and Nashville, where he met leading figures in health and social care to explore new ways of improving services back home.

Strengthening global partnerships

Describing the visit as “extremely valuable and insightful”, the Minister said it provided a platform to both learn from international best practice and promote Northern Ireland’s own progress on a global stage.

“Visiting the United States has been extremely valuable and insightful. It provided an opportunity to engage with leaders across health and social care, while also showcasing Northern Ireland on a global stage,” he said.

A key moment came during a visit to the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda — believed to be the first by a local Health Minister despite a formal partnership spanning 27 years.

“I was also surprised to learn that I appear to be the first local Health Minister to visit the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, despite our formal partnership dating back 27 years to the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. That visit underlined the importance of renewing and strengthening long-standing relationships.”

Cancer research and global recognition

National Cancer Institute, Washington: (L-R) Director of the Centre for Global Health Dr Satish Gopal; Health Minister Mike Nesbitt; NCI Director Dr Anthony Letai; Professor Mark Lawler, QUB.

Cancer care emerged as a central theme of the visit, with Nesbitt highlighting the international reputation of Northern Ireland expertise.

“It was striking to see the respect shown to Professor Mark Lawlor as a well-known friend and equal by America’s leading cancer clinicians and administrators,” he said.

“I identified cancer as a key area of focus early in my time in post and the meeting gave me the opportunity to receive an overview of the innovative and cutting-edge cancer research work going on there.”

Learning from innovation in the US

In Washington, the Minister visited Children’s Hospital, where he saw advances in paediatric surgery designed to make procedures more precise, less invasive and less painful.

Meanwhile, in Nashville — a city recognised for healthcare innovation — discussions focused on digital transformation, artificial intelligence and data-driven care.

“Nashville has a strong reputation for innovation in healthcare delivery. It was particularly interesting to see that Northern Ireland is ahead of the curve in some areas, including the shift from analogue to digital through our encompass electronic patient record system,” Nesbitt said.

AI and the future of healthcare

Artificial intelligence was another major focus, with the Minister stressing both its potential and the need for safeguards.

“AI is already supporting clinicians in Northern Ireland, particularly in diagnostics and imaging, helping to improve speed, accuracy and patient flow,” he said.

“Our approach is to ensure AI is used safely, ethically and in a way that supports – not replaces – clinical judgement.

“What is clear is that robust ethical frameworks are essential. In many ways, AI in healthcare needs its own Hippocratic Oath.”

Tackling inequality and shared challenges

Meetings with Belmont University and Meharry Medical College also explored the role of healthcare in addressing inequality.

“Meharry Medical College’s longstanding mission to address inequality in healthcare strongly resonates with our own priorities. Tackling the social determinants of health is a shared challenge that transcends borders,” the Minister added.

Further discussions with the Tennessee Department of Health, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, and Interfaith Dental centred on common pressures facing healthcare systems — including access, diagnosis, treatment and patient flow.

A two-way relationship

Reflecting on the wider significance of the visit, Nesbitt emphasised the importance of collaboration in a changing global landscape.

“In the current political environment in the USA, it is vital these relationships are viewed as true partnerships, with added value seen clearly as a two-way street to the benefit of the USA as much as ourselves.”

He added that Northern Ireland’s integrated health and social care system continues to attract international recognition.

“One provider went as far as to say Northern Ireland already has the best integrated health and social care structure he has witnessed globally. The challenge is to make it work more efficiently and effectively and this trip has helped me focus on better ways to achieve that outcome.”

Looking ahead

The Minister said the visit reinforced the importance of global cooperation in tackling modern healthcare challenges.

“One of the key lessons from the pandemic is the importance of global cooperation and information sharing. It was encouraging to meet partners who are keen to build and deepen relationships with Northern Ireland.”

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At a glance

• Health Minister Mike Nesbitt visited the US from 16–21 March

• Trip included meetings in Washington DC and Nashville

• Focus on healthcare innovation, AI and global partnerships

• First known visit by a local Minister to the National Cancer Institute

• Cancer research identified as a key priority area

• Northern Ireland praised for its integrated health and social care system

• AI already supporting diagnostics and patient flow locally

• Discussions covered inequality, access and healthcare pressures

• Visit aimed at strengthening long-term transatlantic cooperation