Fraud can occur in the NHS and every penny NHS Lanarkshire loses to fraud is a penny that is not available to spend on patient care. It is the duty of every member of staff to comply with NHS Lanarkshire’s ‘Code of Conduct and Fraud’ policy and to report any suspicions of fraud immediately. NHS Lanarkshire is determined to take all reasonable steps to prevent and identify fraud and, where fraud is identified, take appropriate action.
In line with the Scottish Government’s ‘Strategy to Combat NHS Fraud in Scotland’, NHS Lanarkshire will investigate all instances of fraud thoroughly and, where fraud is proven, pursue a criminal prosecution, take disciplinary action and seek recovery of any losses (known as the ‘triple tracking approach’).
NHS Lanarkshire has in place a number of arrangements to protect itself from the risk of fraud, corruption and bribery, however, in the current climate of change there are issues that increase the risk. Changes in structures, systems and the turnover in employees, as well as the external pressure due to the economy – which have been heightened due to the Covid-19 pandemic – all contribute to the risk of fraud.
Morag Holmes, NHS Lanarkshire’s head of internal audit/fraud liaison officer, said: “I’d advise staff to be vigilant and would encourage anyone who suspects fraud to report it without delay. They can either contact myself or call the fraud hotline on 08000 151628.”
NHS Scotland counter fraud services (CFS) and NHS health boards have adopted the ‘fraud standards’ as the best practice quality assurance approach to countering fraud.
For more information on the standards and other aspects of fraud, visit the fraud page on FirstPort at: http://firstport2/staff-support/fraud/default.aspx. Alternatively, contact Morag Holmes on 01698 752770 or email Morag.Holmes@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
