Statement on Counter Fraud from WMAS CEO, Anthony Marsh
I am committed to ensuring that our organisation upholds the highest standards of integrity, accountability and stewardship of public funds. Every pound lost to fraud is a pound taken away from patient care and we must all work together to protect the NHS from those who seek to exploit it.
Fraud against the NHS is not a victimless crime. It reduces the resources available for patients and undermines the trust that staff, patients and the public place in our services. That is why we take a zero-tolerance approach to fraud, bribery and corruption across all parts of our organisation.
We are committed to:
• Promoting a culture of honesty, openness and transparency.
• Preventing fraud through strong systems, controls and staff awareness.
• Encouraging staff and stakeholders to report concerns without fear, knowing they will be taken seriously and handled appropriately.
• Working with the NHS Counter Fraud Authority and other partners to detect, investigate and take action against fraudulent activity.
I ask all colleagues to remain vigilant and play their part in protecting NHS resources. By working together, we can ensure that every penny is spent where it matters most – delivering safe, effective and compassionate care for patients.
The Trust Counter Fraud Specialists can be contacted via email at [email protected]
Did you know fraud could be costing the NHS £1.2billion a year? This is money that could be spent on patient care, but instead fraudsters are benefiting.
Therefore, it is a contractual requirement for NHS associated bodies to include the role of a Local Counter Fraud Specialist (LCFS) to raise awareness of the types of frauds in the workplace and to prevent and deter the NHS from loss to fraud and corruption.
Legislation and Types of Fraud
Fraud by false representation
Dishonestly and knowingly making an untrue statement with the intention of making a gain or causing another to make a loss. This includes anything said, written or entered into a system or device.
Examples:
- Working elsewhere or in secondary employment whist being paid as sick and unfit to work by the Trust.
- Submission of false time sheets, travel claims and subsistence claims.
- Qualifications or references which are false or counterfeit.
- Fraudulent invoices for work or services provided to the Trust.
Fraud by failure to disclose information
Dishonestly failing to disclose information that should legally be disclosed with the intention of making a gain or causing another to make a loss.
Examples:
- Failure to disclose criminal convictions on a job application.
- Failure to disclose criminal convictions during employment.
- A failure to inform the Payroll Department of an overpayment of salary.
- Contractual conflicts of interest, where goods or services are provided and associations with existing West Midlands Ambulance Staff exist.
Fraud by abuse of position
Where someone in a post dishonestly does something or fails to do something in their role with the intention of making a gain or causing another a loss.
Examples:
- Senior Officers who use their position to amend systems or records for personal financial gain
- Abuse of WMAS uniform i.e. wearing uniform while not on duty to influence or to make a personal gain.
- Abuse of WMAS equipment, using equipment for private work or to make a personal gain.
Bribery
Bribery is a form of corruption that involves offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting a financial or other advantage to influence a decision in a way that is illegal, unethical, or a breach of trust. Both active bribery (offering/giving) and passive bribery (requesting/accepting) are criminal offenses under various laws, such as the UK’s Bribery Act 2010.
Example:
Suppliers offering cash, gifts, lavish hospitality, to NHS staff in exchange for favourable treatment or contract.
To report any suspicions of Fraud within or against West Midlands please complete the following form.