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Countering fraud

The NHS Counter Fraud Authority estimates that the NHS is vulnerable to £1.14bn worth of fraud each year. The Trust has a zero tolerance approach to fraud and will take the appropriate actions to investigate all potential instances of fraud and bribery against the Trust.

Read our Chief Executive’s statement on the Bribery Act 2010.

Types of NHS fraud

There are many different types of fraud affecting the Trust and the NHS. The NHS Counter Fraud Authority sets out in more detail the different types of NHS fraud, including:

By patients

  • Identity fraud to obtain free NHS treatment they are not entitled to
  • Using false names to obtain multiple prescriptions
  • False travel expense claims
  • Prescription theft or forgery

By staff

  • Submitting false or inflated time sheets or expense claims
  • Working elsewhere while reported sick or working from home
  • Diverting NHS funds to private accounts
  • Using false identity documents to gain employment

By professionals

  • Altering prescriptions for higher value medication
  • Claiming for work not undertaken
  • False claims for out of hours visits
  • Conducting private patient work in NHS time or using NHS resources for other means

By contractors and suppliers

  • Submitting false or duplicate invoices
  • Making fraudulent claims for work not carried out
  • Not supplying goods that have been paid for
  • Submitting higher value invoices than agreed

What to do if you suspect fraud

If you suspect fraud is occurring at King’s you can report your concerns confidentially to the Trust’s nominated counter fraud specialist:

Alexandra Barrington, Local Counter Fraud Specialist

Never approach the person under suspicion or try to investigate the matter yourself.

You can also report your concerns directly to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority by using the online reporting form or calling the freephone line 0800 028 4060.