Priory announces new MD for its private mental healthcare services

• Paul Pritchard appointed as Managing Director for Priory’s private mental healthcare services
• Priory also appoints a new Director for Innovation and Digital, and a new Service Development Director
• Launches recruitment drive for more consultants and therapists to meet increasing market demand
• The move follows a £6.9 million investment in its world-famous Roehampton Hospital

The Priory Group has appointed a new Managing Director for its private mental healthcare and addiction services as it anticipates increased market demand and significant growth in the sector.

Paul Pritchard has been appointed to the newly-created role as the Group - the UK’s largest independent mental healthcare provider - underlines its focus on investment in private healthcare, alongside its comprehensive provision of services to the NHS.

Paul was formerly Managing Director for Priory Healthcare's Northern region.

Other appointments include Sabrina Cator, promoted from Priory Placement Specialist to Service Development Director, and Joe McEvoy who has been recruited from outside the organisation to the newly-created position of Director of Innovation and Digital.

The appointments coincide with Priory seeing its highest recorded levels of private inpatient occupancy at the end of October, and the launch of new private services - including a private inpatient service at the Priory’s Bristol Hospital - and come as the mental healthcare and addiction provider prepares to bring a range of other private services to market.

The Holbrook Ward at Bristol Priory is a 10-bedded service for adults with mental health or addiction issues, following a £250,000 investment.

The Priory has also invested more than £1 million in an innovative residential eating disorder treatment service, Arthur House, in Wimbledon Park, and £2.5 million in Rhodes Recovery, a 16-bedded residential facility in north London offering extended help to those graduating from 28-day addiction therapy programmes.

Priory Healthcare is also looking to boost its provision overseas – it currently has a Wellbeing Centre in Dubai – and to expand its UK network of Wellbeing Centres, which currently spans Southampton to Aberdeen, with new openings planned in East London, as well as in major northern cities.

At the same time as the Priory is putting fresh focus on its private offering, there will be a new branding for these services, with a more distinct visual identity.

Paul says: “The demand for mental healthcare in the UK is rising, and patients’ requirements need to be met. We recognise private mental health services are an area of growth and investment for us. We have invested £6.9 million in Roehampton Hospital alone since January 2018 to ensure it is the best possible environment for treatment and recovery. We are also taking advantage of emerging opportunities to enhance service delivery through the launch of digital treatment options as part of our new online therapy service.”

“This is an exciting time for Priory. My priority is on quality services and patient outcomes. Our strong CQC quality assessments and performance are welcomed by healthcare consumers, and testimony to our consultants and their teams who are often world-class experts in their chosen field.”

Paul adds: “A growing population, coupled with a greater understanding and recognition of the importance of mental health, and the exciting potential of digital technologies, continue to increase demand, expectation and expenditures.

“Other influential factors include increasing pressures on the NHS, the need for specific mental health or addiction treatment not available elsewhere, and the more recognised link between improved mental health and work performance. Priory can usually offer rapid access, and is a globally recognised brand.

“We envisage a future in which we continue building on sustainable foundations, providing affordable, accessible, high-quality mental healthcare.”

Notes to editors

For interviews or inquiries, please contact communications@priorygroup.com

Photos of Paul Pritchard, and Priory’s Roehampton Hospital (interior and exterior)

About Priory Group

The Priory Group is the leading provider of behavioural care in the UK, caring for around 30,000 people a year for conditions including depression, anxiety, drugs and alcohol addiction, eating disorders and self-harming. The Group is organised into four divisions – healthcare, education and children’s services, adult care and the Middle East. The Priory Group is owned by NASDAQ-listed Acadia Healthcare, which is recognised as a global leader in behavioural health.

About Priory Healthcare

Priory Healthcare supports around 20,000 people a year as both a provider of services to the NHS and as a provider to private patients via self-pay or health insurance. The Priory Group is a registered and approved provider for the UK’s leading private medical insurers, including Bupa, Vitality, Aviva, Cigna, WPA and AXA PPP.