Fraud Awareness Week 15-19 November 2021

Protect yourselves and colleagues from the latest scams…

As the NHS came under unprecedented pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic, fraud was probably not at the top of most NHS people’s minds.

However, fraud is estimated to cost the NHS more than £1 billion each year – enough to pay for over 40,000 nurses.

Many will be shocked to learn that some people, fortunately a small minority, seek to gain by targeting taxpayer funds that are meant for patient care – particularly at a time when NHS resources are under significant pressure.

Because fraud is a hidden crime, knowing about it is the first step in dealing with it.

That’s why next week West Essex CCG is joining hundreds of organisations around the world in celebrating International Fraud Awareness Week.

This year, we are supporting the NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA) by releasing a special Fraud Awareness Week Newsletter keeping you up to date of the latest scams and tips to stay safe, along with the latest NHS convictions.

We are also inviting everyone to complete the annual counter fraud survey next week, which will help the Lead Counter Fraud Specialist (LCFS) find out what it needs to focus on. A link to this will be updated on AskHUE so keep checking.

Your feedback will support the LCFS to make sure that its reporting and investigating system is robust, so NHS money is spent wisely and for the care of patients.