This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Counter Fraud Strategy for NHS
03/10/2005
A new strategy to tackle fraud in the NHS was launched as it was revealed that anti fraud measures already in place have saved the NHS in Scotland more than £2 million a year for the last five years.
Counter Fraud Services, an organisation set up in 2000, reports that £10.7 million has been channelled back into NHS services as a result of its activities.
Health Minister Andy Kerr said:
"I want to congratulate NHS Scotland Counter Fraud Services for saving this money. That is £10.7 million pounds which has gone back into frontline patient care rather than the pockets of criminals defrauding the system.
"This is an issue which the Executive takes very seriously, which is why I am pleased to announce this new strategy to tackle fraud within the NHS.
"The strategy aims to bring a consistent approach to seeking out fraud and working with the Counter Fraud Service and the NHS to continue to tackle this issue.
"I want to make it clear that fraud against the NHS will not be tolerated, legal action will be taken where necessary.
"The threat of civil action led to one optician repaying NHS Scotland over £13,000 after he submitted claims for unnecessary glasses. While a GP receptionist was given community service for stealing prescription forms and obtaining drugs by fraud.
"We will continue to take action against fraudsters, but it is not a victimless crime and tackling it is a shared responsibility. NHS staff, healthcare professionals and the general public can help prevent resources being drained from the NHS by reporting suspected fraudulent activity.
NHS Scotland Counter Fraud Services (CFS) was established on July 1, 2000. Its initial role was to prevent, detect and investigate fraud and other irregularities in NHS family health services, this was subsequently extended to fraud and other irregularities within and against NHS Scotland as a whole.
The strategy to counter fraud within and against NHS Scotland, which was jointly developed between the Scottish Executive and CFS.
The seven objectives are:
- Creating an anti fraud culture
- Focus on deterrence
- Developing effective prevention measures
- Increasing detection of fraud
- Fully investigating suspected fraud cases
- Use effective sanctions
- Seeking redress
The CFSs annual report for 2004-2005 highlights cumulative savings of £10.7 million. This money has gone back into the NHS.
The breakdown of the £10.7 million from 2000 to 2005 is:
2000/01 - £2,017,242
2001/02 - £1,649,216
2002/03 - £2,118,538
2003/04 - £2,601,091
2004/05 - £2,379,431