Counter Fraud
Who are we?
The Gloucestershire Local Counter Fraud Service (LCFS) provides a counter fraud service for Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group.
We are part of a national network of specialist investigators and our aim is to prevent fraud from happening and to deal with allegations that it has taken place – by NHS employees, contractors, suppliers, or members of the public.
What is fraud?
Fraud is when someone does something dishonestly in order to make a gain for themselves or someone else or cause a loss to another. According to the Fraud Act 2006 it is not necessary to prove a person has been deceived. The focus is on the individual’s dishonest behaviour and intent – and just trying to do it, even if not successful, makes the act complete.
Contact us
Call 0300 422 2726 if you suspect fraud.
Downloads
More information
Types of Fraud
Fraud manifests itself in the NHS in a variety of ways. Fraud is said to cost the NHS an estimated £5 billion every year. It is important that we are all aware of the types of fraud that are committed and are not afraid to report fraudulent behaviour.
Patient Fraud
Patient fraud includes wrongful claiming of exemption from fees or travel expenses, alteration of prescriptions, and using aliases to obtain controlled drugs.
Professionals
Fraud by NHS professionals includes claiming for treatment or services not provided, undertaking private work in NHS time and using Trust equipment and materials for private work
Managers and Staff
This type of fraud involves the submission of a false CV or references; false or inflated time sheets or expenses; working elsewhere whilst on sickness absence from the Trust; abuse of Trust equipment; misappropriation of funds; claims for non-existent employees; and for goods and services that are for personal use.
Contractors and Suppliers
Contractor and supplier fraud includes charging for items of a higher quality or greater quantity than those supplied; using an inappropriate tendering processes; false or duplicate invoices; and price fixing.
Immigration Matters
Individuals who work, or attempt to work for NHS organisations supplying false documentation ranging from false passports, visas and national insurance numbers to secure employment.
What should I do if I suspect fraud?
If you are suspicious or have concerns:
DO tell your LCFS immediately by email or telephone – your confidentiality will be respected. We never disclose the name of an informant
DO keep or copy any document that arouses your suspicions
DO NOT confront the individual with your suspicions
DO NOT try to investigate your suspicions yourself
IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF STAFF you can tell your line manager, but you are not required to – you can come directly to LCFS
Contact your Local Counter Fraud Service (LCFS)
All employees play a vital role in helping reduce losses throughout the NHS. We all therefore have a responsibility to protect the NHS from fraud and bribery at any level.
If you have any concerns in regard to fraud or bribery at this Trust, or would more information or an awareness session for your team, please contact us by emailing the GHC Counter Fraud Service at ghn-tr.fraudAccountMailbox@nhs.net
You can also contact the team direct:
Lee Sheridan – Head of Counter Fraud Service
Telephone: 0300 422 2726
Email: leesheridan@nhs.net
Paul Kerrod – Deputy Head of Counter Fraud
Telephone: 0300 422 2753
Email paul.kerrod@nhs.net
Lee Sessions – Local Counter Fraud Specialist
Telephone: 0300 422 2723
Email: lee.sessions@nhs.net
NHS Counter Fraud Authority
Alternatively, you can contact NHS Counter Fraud Authority. It is a simple means of reporting genuine suspicions of NHS fraud. All calls are dealt with by experienced, trained staff. Callers may remain anonymous if they wish. Freephone 0800 028 4060 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm). You can also report fraud using the NHS Counter Fraud Authority online reporting form.
