In conversation with Barry Nee, Chief Information Officer at Practice Plus Group Hospitals
As part of our 40th anniversary celebrations, we're dedicating October to recognising and celebrating some of our valued customers. We’re shining a spotlight on the organisations we work with, highlighting their achievements, the people behind them, and the partnerships we've built together over the years.
We spoke with Barry Nee from Practice Plus Group Hospitals about his experience of working with IMS MAXIMS and the impact of digital transformation within his organisation.
Here's what he had to say...
Tell us a little about your organisation and the communities you serve?
Practice Plus Group is one of the UK’s leading independent healthcare providers, delivering elective surgery, diagnostics and ophthalmology services to both NHS and private patients. Through its network of 12 hospitals and surgical centres across the UK, the organisation helps provide faster access to high-quality healthcare.
Practice Plus Group was acquired by Narayana Health in 2025, supporting continued investment in clinical services, technology and patient pathways.
All Practice Plus Group hospitals are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission and have achieved top scores in national PLACE assessments for cleanliness, environment and patient experience, including dementia and disability care. Patient-reported outcomes for key procedures, such as hip and knee replacements are among the best in the country. In 2025 the group was named ‘Hospital Group of the Year’ at the Health Investor Awards.
How to get treated at Practice Plus Group: Private patients can self-refer, insured patients can access care through major insurance providers, and NHS patients can request a GP referral to one of its hospitals or surgical centres. Visit www.practiceplusgroup.com or call 0330 822 9360 for more information
What are some achievements or developments that you're proud of?
I'm particularly proud of how we've worked with IMS MAXIMS to modernise our clinical systems across Practice Plus Group. Together we've improved efficiency, strengthened data quality and provided clinicians with better access to information, helping support safer and more effective patient care.
What challenges or opportunities have shaped your digital journey?
Healthcare is constantly evolving, so balancing innovation with operational and regulatory requirements has been a key challenge. Having a technology partner like
IMS MAXIMS has enabled us to embrace digital transformation while maintaining
our focus on patient safety and clinical effectiveness.
How has your partnership with IMS MAXIMS evolved over the years?
Our relationship has grown from a supplier partnership into a true collaboration. The IMS MAXIMS team understands our organisation, listens to our requirements and works alongside us to continually improve our digital capabilities.
How has your partnership with IMS MAXIMS helped support your goals?
IMS MAXIMS has played a significant role in helping us achieve our digital ambitions. Their platform has supported the standardisation of clinical processes, improved access to information and provided a strong foundation for ongoing innovation across our healthcare services.
Their understanding of healthcare operations and responsiveness to our needs has helped us deliver meaningful digital change across the organisation. There is still much work to do as move towards a genuinely digital only approach, but the work we have done with IMS MAXIMS has given us a good foundation to build from.
Looking ahead, what are your priorities for the future?
Our focus is on enhancing the experience for both patients and clinicians through smarter use of technology, data and automation. We look forward to continuing our partnership with IMS MAXIMS as we develop new ways to improve care quality, operational efficiency and patient outcomes.