Public "key to fighting NHS fraud"

29 Jun 09

The contribution of the public and healthcare workers in the fight against fraud and corruption is “vital” according to the md of NHS Counter Fraud.

By Brian Sims

Commenting in an online broadcast to launch Fraud Awareness Month, Dermid McCausland said: “Whether you’re an NHS employee, a contractor, a supplier of goods and services or a member of the public, your input is vitally important in our joint fight against fraud and corruption.”

McCausland is renowned for presenting the often complex work of NHS Counter Fraud in plain terms. He warns that a minority of people who work in and use the NHS are not honest. The honest majority need to be aware of the types of fraud being committed, and should not be afraid to report it – which they can do anonymously on the NHS Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line (telephone number 0800 028 40 60).

He stresses that NHS Counter Fraud’s work is not just about detecting fraud. “It’s essential that we prevent it from happening in the first place.” McCausland also reminds people that fraud hits them personally. “It deprives hospitals and patients of valuable equipment, staff and resources and ends up costing the taxpayer more money to fund the NHS.”

Providing false or misleading information

McCausland’s definition of fraud is simple. “Essentially, it’s dishonest behaviour. In very simple terms, stealing”.

An NHS ‘insider’ may claim money for services not provided, claim more money than they are entitled to or divert funds to themselves in other ways. External organisations may provide false or misleading information such as invoices in a bid to claim money to which they’re not entitled.

All health workers should know who their Local Counter Fraud Specialist is, and feel confident about approaching NHS Counter Fraud. “Talk to us, report any suspicions you might have, find out more about us – we are always happy to meet with you,” commented McCausland.

319 professionally-trained and accredited Local Counter Fraud Specialists are in place covering every health body in England and Wales. They are supported nationally and regionally by NHS Counter Fraud.

Merseyside nurse jailed for fraud

A nurse has been sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment by the judiciary at Liverpool Crown Court for obtaining an NHS bursary and then employment in a private nursing home using forged documents – and that after overstaying his leave to remain in the UK. The conviction follows an investigation by NHS Counter Fraud.

Roy Kudzai Mapfumo of Southport, Merseyside defrauded over £20,000 from the NHS, and was sentenced to imprisonment on two counts to run concurrently. He pleaded guilty to two charges at North Sefton Magistrates Court on 1 May, 2009: one offence of false accounting (in relation to the bursary) and one offence against Section Two of the Fraud Act 2006 (in relation to obtaining employment).

In February 2001, Mapfumo was granted limited leave to remain as a student in the UK until the end of October the same year, but then failed to contact the Home Office when his leave expired.

He obtained a place on a three-year degree course in Adult Nursing at Buckinghamshire New University, and was awarded an NHS student bursary of £20,317.10 using a forged vignette in his passport (which falsely indicated he had indefinite leave to remain in the UK).

Mapfumo applied for his job at the nursing home using his Zimbabwean passport together with a forged Home Office letter indicating indefinite leave to remain with no restrictions on seeking employment.

Creating a lasting anti-fraud culture

NHS Counter Fraud – a service of the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) – was established to tackle fraud and corruption throughout the NHS and the Department of Health, whether it involves professionals, staff, patients or contractors. It aims to create a lasting anti-fraud culture.

During 2007-2008, investigations produced potential savings to the NHS of £7,565,014. During the same timespan, NHS Counter Fraud successfully prosecuted 57 criminal cases with a 96% success rate.

Further information on NHS Counter Fraud can be gleaned by accessing the dedicated link provided on the right hand panel of this page