Northern Ireland Health Minister Mike Nesbitt travelled to the United States from 16 to 21 March. He held high-level meetings in Washington DC and Nashville. The purpose was to strengthen cooperation on health and social care improvements.

Nesbitt visited the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda. The partnership dates to 27 years ago with the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. He received an overview of cancer research there. Professor Mark Lawler attended some meetings.

At Washington Children's Hospital, Nesbitt met staff. He learned about paediatric surgery methods that are more precise, less invasive and less painful for children.

In Nashville, Nesbitt discussed digital healthcare with representatives from Belmont University and Meharry Medical College. Topics included artificial intelligence and data analytics for patient outcomes. He noted AI aids diagnostics and imaging in Northern Ireland while upholding ethical standards.

Nesbitt met the Tennessee Department of Health, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, and Interfaith Dental. They covered access, diagnosis, treatment and patient flow.

Nesbitt prioritised cancer early in his role. He described the US partnerships as mutually beneficial. One US provider called Northern Ireland's integrated health and social care the best seen globally.