Reporting NHS Fraud
Who should I contact to report fraud, bribery or corruption?
Genuine concerns regarding NHS fraud, bribery and corruption must be reported. Reports should initially be direct to the Local Counter Fraud Specialist (LCFS). You can also report your concerns to the Director of Finance / Chief Finance Officer or equivalent, or to the NHS Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line – either online at www.cfa.nhs.uk/reportfraud or by telephone on 0800 0284060.
Your designated LCFS
Your LCFS is trained to conduct their work in a professional, confidential and ethical manner and has a vital role to play within the counter fraud structure. They act as the “first line of defence” against fraud and corruption within the NHS. Working closely with national counter fraud services, the LCFS will apply their practical knowledge of the environment within which they work, together with the skills they have developed through training, to be an effective weapon in tackling fraud and corruption.
The NHS/Crimestoppers Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line
Calls to the National Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line are treated in confidence by trained staff and information given will be professionally assessed and evaluated. Callers have the option to remain anonymous should they wish to do so.
The Director of Finance / Chief Finance Officer or equivalent
The Director of Finance / Chief Finance Officer or equivalent is managerially responsible for counter fraud measures within the organisation.
What should I do if I suspect fraud?
If you suspect that a fraud is occurring you should:
- Contact your Local Counter Fraud Specialist.
- Make a note of your suspicions. Sign, date and keep it safe.
- Try to discretely secure / copy documents you believe relevant.
Please do not:
- Investigate anything yourself.
- Undertake any surveillance or anything else that puts you at risk.
- Confront the individual(s) yourself.
- Convey your suspicions to anyone other than those listed as appropriate including your line manager.
- Ignore your suspicions and do nothing!
What will happen if I report fraud?
When reporting concerns regarding fraud, the LCFS will provide immediate initial advice on who to notify and what steps to take.
Dependent upon the information received, the LCFS will usually arrange a meeting for the purpose of obtaining more information and to give advice on whether or not an investigation is appropriate.
The diverse nature of information received means that it may not always be appropriate to conduct an investigation or it may be appropriate to involve the Police and/or the NHS Counter Fraud Authority.
The LCFS will normally undertake all aspects of a criminal investigation including witness interviews, taking statements, gathering evidence, interviewing suspects under caution, and preparation of prosecution paperwork.
Where fraud is apparent, a ‘triple-track’ approach to applying sanctions will normally be taken. This will include relevant disciplinary action and civil recovery proceedings together with criminal sanctions via the court system. Dependent upon the circumstances of the alleged offence a combination of these sanctions may be pursued.
What if I am wrong?
- Never be afraid to raise your suspicions even though you may be wrong, because you could be right.
- There will be no ramifications for raising an issue you believed to be fraud. Regardless of how the investigation is concluded.
- The person investigated will not be disadvantaged if the investigation undertaken did not uncover any fraudulent activity.
- If you are uncertain just contact us for advice to ascertain if your suspicions could be correct.