• To eliminate waste within the NHS - ensuring referrals are appropriate, complete and directed to the most appropriate provider - "right first time".
• To develop alternative services - where new services are needed or NHS waiting times are long, Fortis's SPMS contract provides the ability to develop new clinics.
• To improve primary care - supporting enhanced services in GP practices, bringing consultants into the community, repatriating follow-ups from hospital, funding new services.

In the past when patients needed more specialised care, they could only get this by being referred through a hospital consultant. Now, Fortis will provide more specalist options in the community without the need to attend hospital. These may for example include clinics for eyes, skin, diabetes, muscle and joint problems; minor surgery; and community specialist teams for people who have complex problems.

Fortis also provides easier access to investigations like colonoscopy, 24 hour electrocardiograms and ultrasound which can also be performed in community units. So today, a lot more can be provided closer to home without the need to attend hospital.