Mental health services provider Partnerships in Care (PiC) has appointed two strategic development directors to assist with the integration of its new services.

The hires of Kath Murphy (pictured) and Patrick Neville in April follow the acquisitions of Pastoral Healthcare, a Vista Healthcare hospital and two services from Choice Lifestyle by PiC. Care UK’s mental health assets were also bought by PiC in May.

Murphy has held senior manager roles within the NHS and Department of Health for over thirty years. Her previous jobs include head of specialised mental health services at NHS England.

Neville also has over three decades of NHS experience and was most recently portfolio director for specialised mental health for NHS England. He will have particular responsibility for the strategic development of PiC services in the South West.

Joy Chamberlain, chief executive of PiC, said: “These are very exciting appointments for PiC. Both bring significant experience and knowledge and I should like to take this opportunity of wishing them all every success in their new roles with PiC.”

Other senior appointments include the promotion of Keith Barry from hospital director/registered manager at PiC’s Llanarth Court facility to the role of nursing development lead. Trevor Irwin has been hired to replace him.