Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA has welcomed the confirmation that the Royal Victoria Hospital has become the first hospital in the United Kingdom to trial the pioneering Volt Pulsed Field Ablation system.

Alan Chambers MLA said:

“This is a hugely powerful reminder that Northern Ireland’s Health Service can lead from the front. Often the narrative around our health system focuses solely on pressures and waiting lists. While those challenges are real, today’s announcement shows another side of the story - Northern Ireland’s expertise, innovation and ambition.

“Atrial fibrillation is a debilitating condition affecting 1.4 million people across the UK. It increases the risk of stroke and heart failure and can severely limit a person’s quality of life. The ability of our clinicians to adopt cutting-edge technology that delivers safer procedures, faster recovery times and same-day discharge is a major step forward for patient care.

“This new approach is not only good for patients, it is good for the system. Treating up to three patients per day instead of one, reducing reliance on anaesthetic support, and freeing up hospital beds demonstrates exactly the kind of smart reform we need: better outcomes and better use of resources.

“Credit must go to the dedicated clinical teams in Belfast who have delivered this UK-first. It also reflects the leadership and ambition of my Ulster Unionist colleague, Mike Nesbitt, as Health Minister. His focus on transformation, innovation and rebuilding confidence in our health service is beginning to bear fruit.

“Northern Ireland may be small, but we have the expertise and drive to compete with the very best. Our task now must be to build on this momentum and ensure patients across Northern Ireland benefit from a modern, forward-looking health service that delivers real results.”