Play your part in fighting fraud

West Essex CCG take the threat of fraud very seriously, that means we need to make sure all our people are aware of it.

Most of us would never dream of committing fraud, and the same goes for our patients and the people we work with every day. However, the small minority who commit fraud against the NHS can have a serious impact on us all, and everyone has a role to play in fighting fraud.

No individual or organisation is immune from the threat of fraud, and the NHS is no exception. The NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA) estimates that fraud costs the NHS £1.27 billion each year – that is equivalent to the cost of 40,000 nurses.

International Fraud Awareness Week is a great opportunity to remind us of that. Remember your local counter fraud specialist is available all year round to provide advice and support.

There is also useful information in the article ‘How to Prevent Fraud in the Workplace’.

If you have any suspicions or concerns about fraud in the NHS you can:

• report them to your local Counter Fraud officer Eleni Gill on 07827 308906
• or the NHSCFA at cfa.nhs.uk/reportfraud
• or by calling 0800 028 4060 (available 24 hours).

All reports are treated in confidence, and you have the option to report anonymously.

Please spread the word among your colleagues and tell your family and friends – we all bear the cost of NHS fraud, but we can all play a part in fighting it.