PRIVATE healthcare provider Castlebeck has added some public sector expertise to its growing team.

The Darlington-based company, which provides specialist healthcare and rehabilitation services for adults with learning disabilities, has appointed Dr Tony Perini as its new consultant psychiatrist and Aidan Hughes as training manager.

Dr Perini, who joins in January, presently works as a medical director and consultant psychiatrist at Northgate and Prudhoe NHS Trust.

Mr Hughes has recently left his post as a learning and skills officer with South Tyneside Council.

He will be responsible for reviewing and implementing the training strategy for all of Castlebeck's employees.

"I have been very impressed with Castlebeck and the big difference I expect to find between the public and private sector is that there will be a lot less bureaucracy and more immediacy in my new role," said the 34-year-old.

Next year, Dr Perini, 48, will take clinical responsibility for clients in the 11 different units operated by Castlebeck in the north, including Barnard Castle, Darlington and Bishop Auckland.

This includes carrying out assessments on clients and determining their suitability for Castlebeck services.

He said: "In the health service, a large part of my time can be taken up finding a bed for a patient, so I am looking forward to having my time freed up to spend with those who are in need of care.