Preventing fraud
The NHS Counter Fraud Authority have produced some useful reference and prevention guidance documents for NHS organisations. There are several ‘fraud reference guides’ available which cover the following areas:
- NHS staff – This relates to a person working in, or for, the NHS in any capacity. This includes salaried employees, retired employees receiving an NHS pension, agency staff, trainees, contractors such as GPs, dentists, pharmacists, opticians and their organisations and any other contractors who work for the NHS in the same manner as an employee.
- NHS patients – This relates to a patient, that is someone obtaining treatment, services or medication from the NHS. It may relate to someone using the NHS (either in the UK or abroad) to obtain medical, dental, optical or pharmacy services.
- NHS suppliers – This relates to a person or organisation providing goods and/or services to the NHS. This can include contractors (individuals or companies), suppliers, or other organisations.
- NHS systems – This relates to fraud in relation to financial accounting, performance, incentives or penalties or any other financial issue.
- Third parties – This relates to a person or organisation not linked to the NHS but trying to gain financially from it. This would include a third party making unsolicited requests for payment from the NHS or someone using an NHS facility to which they are not entitled.
How to report fraud
If you suspect fraud is occurring, you can help by reporting your suspicions confidentially to the counter fraud specialist.
Follow these simple guidelines when reporting your suspicions:
- Do make an immediate note of your concerns
- Do deal with the matter promptly if you feel your concerns are warranted
- Don’t do nothing
- Don’t be afraid to raise your concerns
- Don’t approach or accuse individuals yourself
- Don’t try to investigate the matter yourself