NHSScotland to launch new anti-fraud strategy

The Scottish government has announced the launch of a new strategy to fight against fraud in the health service north of the border.

It notes that, while only perpetrated by a “tiny minority”, fraud of the NHS could cost up to one per cent of the annual budget of the health service, equal to up to 100 million pounds every year.

The government has promised a system of zero tolerance to help identify, deter and help combat fraud perpetrated by staff, clinicians, patients and contractors.

NHSScotland Counter Fraud Services was established in July 2000 and estimates that around 14 million pounds in fraud savings have been made since this date.

Nicola Sturgeon, cabinet secretary for health and wellbeing, said: “”Protection against fraud must begin at the earliest stages when healthcare policies, systems and procedures are being designed, before they are finally agreed and rolled out.”

She added that the health service needs to engage with those that work in and use the NHS to make sure they understand the need to protect the service and the damage caused by fraud.

In April 2006, the Serious Fraud Office charged nine men with defrauding the NHS out of millions of pounds.