NHSCFA Strategic Intelligence Assessment 2024, continued...
NHS Staff Fraud NHS staff fraud remains the most
Patient Exemption Fraud Patient exemption fraud has emerged as the second most reported category, with 1,404 cases, marking a 61% increase from the previous year. This significant rise is attributed to two main factors:
Fraudulent Access to NHS Care from Overseas Visitors
frequently reported category, accounting for approximately 46% of all reports received by the NHSCFA in 2023-2024, with 2,963 cases reported. This area has seen continued growth in reporting over the past three years, partly influenced by the pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Reports of fraudulent access to NHS care by overseas visitors accounted for about 6% of all cases received by the NHSCFA in 2023-2024. This category has seen a significant increase, with reports rising by 36% compared to the previous year. This uptick suggests a growing concern regarding the misuse of NHS services by individuals not entitled to free care in the UK. In conclusion, while the NHS has made strides in combating fraud, the fight against financial misconduct remains crucial. To build on this progress, the NHS must continue to enhance its counter-fraud measures, including expanding technological solutions, strengthening staff training, and fostering closer collaboration with stakeholders. By maintaining vigilance and adapting strategies to address evolving fraud risks, the NHS can better safeguard its resources, ensuring that more funds are directed towards patient care and essential healthcare services. If you have any suspicions or concerns about fraud, bribery or corruption affecting the NHS, report it anonymously to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority.
•
Misdirected COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccination letters:
Reported fraudulent activities by staff included:
Nearly 37% of reports involved incorrect patient registration details and potential identity theft, many of which likely stemmed from errors where vaccination letters were incorrectly sent to wrong addresses.
•
Working while on sick leave
•
Engaging in other employment during contracted NHS hours
•
Prescription misuse:
•
Inflating income through false claims for unworked hours and services
28% of all reports in this category related to prescription fraud. The majority of these cases involved prescriptions being obtained by individuals other than the intended patients. Procurement and Commissioning Fraud Reports of procurement and commissioning fraud have risen from 648 to 723 cases, despite a significant decrease in COVID-19 related scam reports. This increase may be attributed to heightened awareness resulting from NHSCFA interventions, such as the distribution of fraud reference guides and the implementation of a priority project. A notable 30% of the procurement and commissioning reports were associated with mandate fraud. This category includes cases where funds were successfully prevented from being diverted and the scam attempts were ultimately unsuccessful.
•
Submitting fraudulent expense claims
Additional reports highlighted:
•
False representation to secure employment
•
Nepotism in recruitment practices by senior staff
•
Unauthorised pay band increases for specific shifts and services
cfa.nhs.uk/reportfraud
•
Abuse of position or misuse of NHS assets
0800 028 4060
•
Collusion among staff members
For more information on NHS fraud, visit cfa.nhs.uk
1 0 | SCRUTTON BLAND | COUNTER FRAUD
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog