Spotlight on Fraud Awareness Week

It’s International Fraud Awareness Week (13-19 November) and a great time to highlight what we can all do to protect our organisation from falling victim to this type of crime.

Fraud is estimated to cost the NHS more than £1 billion each year, enough to pay for over 40,000 paramedics or nurses. Fraudsters are always on the lookout for ways to make money from their victims, and their actions are a growing threat to individuals and organisations alike. Unfortunately, there are a small minority who seek to gain by targeting taxpayer funds that are meant for patient care

Fraud is a hidden crime and knowing about it is the first step in dealing with it. That’s why this week EEAST is joining hundreds of organisations around the world to highlight International Fraud Awareness Week (IFAW).

The good news is, that we can all play a part in tackling fraud, bribery and corruption against the NHS.

• Be vigilant and knowing how to spot fraud
• Know how to report fraud if you suspect it (see details below)
• Follow anti-fraud advice and guidance designed to stop fraud from happening in the first place
• Spread the anti-fraud message among your networks

We are also supported by the NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA) who are the professional fraud fighters in the NHS. The NHSCFA includes Local Counter Fraud Specialists (LCFSs), who are on the frontline against NHS fraud and deliver a wide range of counter fraud work (from awareness to prevention to investigations). There are also Counter Fraud Champions, senior leaders within each organisation who support the counter fraud agenda at a strategic level.

Director of Finance, Kevin Smith said ‘At EEAST we know fraud against the NHS is an ever-present threat, and no organisation is immune from it. That’s why we work closely with our Local Counter Fraud Specialist to ensure that our resources are protected for patient care and not exploited by fraudsters.

‘It’s important that we all realise we have a part to play in the fight against fraud and understand how to report it if we do encounter it, not just during International Fraud Awareness Week but all year round.’

If you have any suspicions or concerns about fraud in the NHS, you can report them to the NHSCFA at https://cfa.nhs.uk/reportfraud or by calling 0800 028 4060 (available 24 hours). All reports are treated in confidence, and you have the option to report anonymously. Alternatively, you can also speak to your Local Counter Fraud Specialist (CFS), Gareth Robins, confidentially for advice and support. You can contact Gareth on 0121 232 8781 or 07747 261782 or via email on Gareth.a.robins@uk.gt.com

Published 16th November 2022