This week is International Fraud Awareness week with CCG staff being asked to pledge their commitment to fighting fraud.
The NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA) estimates that fraud costs the NHS £1.27 billion each year – that is equivalent to the cost of 40,000 nurses.
Emma Sayner, NHS Hull CCG Chief Finance Officer and Director with the remit for tackling fraud under her role as SIRO, said: “sadly we have to take the threat of fraud very seriously. Most of us would never dream of committing fraud, and the same goes for our patients and the people we work with every day. However, the small minority who commit fraud against the NHS can have a serious impact on us all, and everyone has a role to play in fighting against it.”
According to the NHSCFA fraud is the crime you are most likely to experience during your lifetime, yet there is a good chance you will never actually see it happening. It is a hidden crime, as fraudsters use deception and target weaknesses in people and systems to make a financial gain.
Fraudsters are also increasingly sophisticated in their use of technology, as you may have noticed if you ever received a very ‘believable’ email or letter asking you to send money or provide your financial details.
Emma added: “no individual or organisation is immune from the threat of fraud, and the NHS is no exception. That’s why I am encouraging our team to become ‘Fraud Fighters’, looking out for signs of fraud and raising any suspicions we have through our counter fraud agency.”
Find out more about fraud, the signs to look out for, and information on previous occurrences of NHS fraud on our website here.
