Priory joins IHPN

Priory Group has joined the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN).

Priory, which supports around 24,000 people a year across 270 sites, is one of the UK’s largest mental health operators, providing mental health, addiction and working-age adult social care services spanning acute treatment, rehabilitation, residential care and supported living.

The move follows the launch of its four-year plan, which includes a focus on integrated care pathways and partnership working with the NHS and wider system.

Priory CEO Rebekah Cresswell (pictured) said: ‘We are pleased to join IHPN at this time of significant challenge and change in health and social care nationally. It is more important than ever for the sector to have a strong collective voice to ensure patients benefit from a truly integrated system.

‘Independent providers are a core part of the health and care system, often working in close collaboration with NHS partners to ensure patients can access the right support at the right time, and we know the IHPN works hard on behalf of members to make sure that message is heard.’

Priory said membership would enable it to contribute to sector-wide collaboration on key priorities, including integrated care pathways, workforce development, digital innovation and improving outcomes for patients.

Independent Healthcare Providers Network director of policy Danielle Henry said: ‘Priory’s expertise across mental health and social care pathways makes them a valuable addition to our membership. We look forward to working together to strengthen collaboration across the health and care system and improve outcomes for patients.’

Priory is also a member of Care England and a founding member of its working age adult policy board.