Success in reducing NHS fraud

18 Nov 2008 03:07 PM

Almost £20 million has been saved for the NHS through Scotland's NHS's counter fraud services since they were established in 2000, Scotland's first counter fraud conference was told yesterday.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:

"The health service in Scotland is wholly committed to ensuring its resources are targeted to the needs of patients and developing the best care and services for them.

"Any fraud against the NHS is unacceptable and, whether it's a patient falsely claiming exemption from charges, healthcare professionals claiming payment for treatment they haven't carried out or a supplier overcharging for goods, NHS fraud takes money away from where it is needed most.

"While we know only a minority commit fraud against the NHS, the amount recovered through the CFS demonstrates so very clearly the value and importance of the measures taken by the service and NHS Boards.

"We are all determined to prevent, deter and identify fraud in the NHS. This is why as the first national conference convenes today, I am delighted to be able to sign the Counter Fraud Charter with the Royal College of Midwives Scotland which brings the RCM on board in the fight against NHS fraud. I am also able to announce that Edinburgh has just been chosen to host the European Healthcare Fraud & Corruption Network's annual conference in 2009, a network in which Scotland is proud to play its part."

Jackie Mitchell, National Officer for the Royal College of Midwives in Scotland, said:

"We support the counter fraud charter and any government measure that ensures that NHS funds are being used appropriately for patients and are not being abused."

Paul Vincke, President of the European Healthcare Fraud and Corruption Network, said:

"For long-term prosperity, healthcare organisations in Europe must be proactive in tackling the problem of fraud and corruption by working together. Sitting back and waiting for fraud to happen will only lead to further losses and a reduced standard of care.

"With estimates indicating that billions of pounds are lost across Europe each year, organisations must do something about it now and those like CFS who have taken action are already saving more money for healthcare provision as a result. The EHFCN represents a real opportunity to protect Europe's healthcare systems from fraud and corruption so that they can properly protect the health of the people in Europe."

CFS estimates that NHS fraud savings to date, net of CFS's costs, total around £19,700,000, since it was established in July 2000. It works in partnership with NHS Boards, Special Health Boards and agencies to deliver national and local counter fraud initiatives.

Neil Billing, Head of Service CFS, said:

"Significant savings have been generated for the NHS in Scotland and, in line with the theme of today's conference 'Working Together, Achieving More', this has been done through the CFS's close collaboration with the Scottish Government, NHS Boards and professional representative bodies. In moving forward, we can build on this success by sharing knowledge, skills and experience with our UK counterparts and with the European Healthcare Fraud and Corruption Network."

Today's conference - Working Together, Achieving More - is being attended by representatives from NHS Boards and special Health Boards and representatives from other UK NHS counter fraud organisations at the Norton House Hotel in Edinburgh. It was organised by NHSScotland CFS, a part of NHS National Services Scotland.

Related Information

http://www.cfs.scot.nhs.uk/