Published: 15 January 2007
NHS War on Fraud
Success in tackling NHS fraud has meant an extra £811 million has been spent on patient care in over the last seven years, the Department of Health has claimed.
This is equivalent to 53,000 kidney transplants or 35,000 nurses for a year and represents a 12:1 return on the budgetary investment in counter fraud work.
The NHS Counter Fraud Service (NHS CFS) Performance Statistics for 1999-2006 show that fraud committed by patients has fallen by 55% from £171 million in 1998 to £76 million in 2006.
Other statistics revealed include:
· Fraud by NHS professionals falling by up to 60% in key areas
· A total of 360 prosecutions and 434 civil and disciplinary sanctions
· A 96% successful prosecution rate
· More than 500 professionally trained & accredited counter fraud specialists in place protecting the NHS and its resources
The news comes as Jim Gee, the Department of Health's Director of Counter Fraud Services, announced he is leaving the post, having led the work to tackle fraud in the NHS since September 1998.
Jim Gee also led a successful civil action which recovered more than £30 million from a number of generic drug companies - the largest ever civil recovery involving the NHS.
From January 2007, he will be the new Director of Fraud Services at KPMG and will be succeeded at the Department of Health by his deputy Steve Phillips.
Health Minister Rosie Winterton said:
"Fraud is not a victimless crime. In respect of the NHS, it is patients who are losing out, which is why this success is so important.
With less money being lost, more money is reaching the frontline.
Jim Gee said:
"I have hugely enjoyed my time working with the NHS.
I have been lucky to have excellent staff, expert advisors and great executive and political support. It is very satisfying to see hundreds of millions of pounds freed up for patient care.
We implemented a comprehensive, integrated and professional approach and it has paid dividends.
I would like to thank those NHS staff, patients and stakeholders who have given us tremendous support over the last eight years. I am confident this support will continue."
The NHS Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line number is freephone 0800 028 4060. It is open to health professionals and patients if they have any concerns or suspicions that there may be a risk of fraud occurring within the NHS.
Further information
NHS Counter Fraud Service (NHS CFS)
Counter Fraud and Security Management Service (CFSMS)
NHS Counter Fraud Service Performance Statistics 1999-2006
European Healthcare Fraud and Corruption Network (EHFCN)
Related articles
Anti-fraud Success in Scotland
A Safer NHS
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