In 2016 to 2017 losses to fraud in the NHS were estimated at £1.25 billion a year, which is enough money to pay for over 40,000 staff nurses, or to purchase over 5,000 frontline ambulances. This is taxpayers’ money that is taken away from patient care and falls into the hands of criminals.
When we say ‘fraud’, we refer to a range of economic crimes, such as fraud, bribery and corruption or any other illegal acts committed by an individual or group of individuals to obtain a financial or professional gain.
How does the Trust fight fraud?
We use an internal NHS consortium that provides counter fraud services to 33 NHS trusts across the north of England called Auditone. We work closely with their team of counter fraud specialists who deliver a range of services including prevention, detection and investigation.
How you can help us tackle fraud
If you suspect fraud is occurring, you can help by following these steps and reporting your suspicions confidentially to the fraud hotline:
- Make an immediate note of your concerns.
- Do not approach or accuse individuals yourself.
- Do not try to investigate the matter yourself.
- Contact a counter fraud specialist as soon as possible.
How to report fraud
Our counter fraud specialists deal with all reports of suspected fraud in the strictest confidence. When you make a report you’ll be kept up to date with the progress of the investigation.
- call the fraud hotline on 01914 415936
- email counterfraud@audit-one.co.uk
Alternatively, you can phone the national fraud and corruption reporting line on 08000 284060.
All calls are made in strictest confidence and you will not be asked to provide any personal details if you want to remain anonymous. You’ll be given a call reference number that you can quote if you phone again with additional information.
Common types of fraud that occur within the NHS:
- fake qualification
- invoice fraud
- working whilst sick
- fraud by abuse of position
- patient travel claim fraud
- time sheet fraud
