NHS fraud team saves millions

THE NHS counter fraud team has saved the health service £43 million since it was formed in 2000, it has been revealed.

Notable successes include the conviction of an assistant anaesthetist who was jailed for stealing £23,000 worth of medical equipment, and a nursing assistant who claimed for shifts not worked by forging colleagues’ signatures.

A GP who used false names to obtain opiate drugs for personal use was also caught, as was an administrative worker who claimed almost £40,000 in fraudulent overtime.

Public Health Minister Michael Matheson, who is meeting members of the team tomorrow, said: “We will not tolerate fraudulent behaviour in our NHS and the Counter Fraud Services team have strict measures in place to make sure that criminals are caught and brought to justice.”

Counter Fraud Services concentrated initially on primary care fraud. Its remit expanded in 2004 to all areas of NHS Scotland.