By NHS trust to crackdown on local fraud
Fraud-busters working for Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Goole hospitals, as well as community services in North Lincolnshire, are sharing the message that fraud will not be tolerated.
Fraud against the NHS takes many forms including patients attempting to avoid paying prescriptions by falsely claiming exemptions or claiming for travelling expenses that they are not entitled to.
Staff may attempt to gain employment with false documentation, claim pay for shifts they did not work or work elsewhere while off sick from the Trust.
Nicki Foley, local counter fraud specialist at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Fraud against the NHS takes public funds away from patient care and into the pockets of fraudsters. We are committed to ensuring this doesn’t happen and ask members of the public and staff to support us by reporting any suspicious activity.”
“Most people who work in and use the NHS are honest, but unfortunately there is a minority that tries to defraud it of its valuable resources.”
During November Nicki will be speaking to patients and staff at a joint stand being hosted with the Humberside Police Economic Crime Unit on the following dates:
- Friday, November 12 from 12 pm at the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital restaurant
- Thursday, November 18 from 12 pm at the Scunthorpe General Hospital restaurant
- Monday, November 15 from 12 pm at Goole and District Hospital restaurant
- Wednesday, November 17 between 8 am and 9 am at Global House in Scunthorpe
Lee Bond, the Trust’s chief financial officer said: “Fraud against the NHS is not a victimless crime as these valuable funds are meant for patient care. We all need to play our part in reducing fraud to ensure our precious NHS funds are spent on you, your family and your friends if you need care and treatment.”
Staff and members of the public are encouraged to play their part in protecting NHS resources and report any suspicions of fraud.
To report suspected fraud or corruption at the Trust you can call Nicki on 03033 302994.
Or call the NHS fraud and corruption reporting line on 0800 028 40 60 or visit https://cfa.nhs.uk/reportfraud.
