Health chiefs launch fraud crackdown

NHS Lothian has joined forces with European anti-fraud experts to crack down on the issue locally.

Although health chiefs appear to be getting on top of the matter, staff and patients conning cash out of the health board still costs millions each year.

Workers who fiddle their timesheets to make it seem like they have worked more hours and patients lying about travel expenses all have a huge financial impact on the organisation.

Now it has teamed up with the European Healthcare Fraud and Corruption Network to urge staff to be alert.

Chief internal auditor David Woods said: "Fraud is a real threat. It takes money away from our primary purpose - to treat patients.

"People may think that small amounts here and there don't make a difference, but they do. We would urge staff to report any suspicions and they can even remain anonymous."