Independent mental healthcare provider The Priory Group has appointed Paul Pritchard to the newly-created role of managing director for its private mental healthcare and addiction services.

Pritchard was formerly managing director for Priory Healthcare’s northern region. He said: “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 Priory Connect service.”

The company has also promoted from Sabrina Cator from Priory placement specialist to service development director, and Joe McEvoy has joined the company to assume the newly-created position of director of innovation and digital.