Fraud and bribery in the NHS

Fraud happens when someone makes a deliberate attempt to dishonestly make a gain for themselves or another or cause a loss to another.

This may include any person who makes a false  representation or dishonestly fails to disclose to another person information which they are under a legal duty to disclose, or commits fraud by abuse of position, including any offence as defined in the Fraud Act 2006. Examples of NHS fraud offences are provided below. Further information can be found in our  Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy (CORP06).

Bribery refers to the giving or receiving of an inducement, in return for a person committing an improper function. It is an offence to give or receive a bribe, or even offer or accept, even if the briber is never paid. A bribe is any inducement, financial or not, to encourage or reward someone to do something they should not do.

What does NHS fraud look like?

  • By health professionals: Fraud by NHS professionals includes claiming for treatment or services not provided (e.g. Medicines Use Reviews at pharmacies, dental treatment or optical services not carried out) and working elsewhere while on sick leave.
  • By managers and staff: Fraud by NHS managers and staff includes submitting fraudulent claims for grants and payments (e.g. false or inflated travel or subsistence claims, and fraudulent applications for funding and training).
  • By contractors and suppliers: Contractor and supplier fraud includes charging for items of a higher quality or greater quantity than those supplied and using inappropriate tendering processes.
  • By patients: Patient fraud includes claiming for free or reduced cost treatment and services when not entitled and using aliases to get prescription drugs.

Reporting fraud

The first steps are being aware of the risk and remaining vigilant. You should also know how to report any suspicions or concerns you may have about fraud and/or bribery.

You can report fraud against the NHS in England and Wales by using the NHS Counter Fraud Authority online reporting form or calling freephone line 0800 028 4060 (available 24/7).

Visit the NHS Counter Fraud Authority website for more information and examples of recent cases.

Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption, Money Laundering and Economic Crimes Statement

NHS Surrey Heartlands ICB is committed to eliminating fraud, bribery and corruption, money laundering and other economic crimes within the NHS to protect public resources for health and care.

Fraud is an act of deception that is intended to make a financial gain or to cause a loss to another party. Bribery is generally defined as the giving or receiving of a financial or other advantage in exchange for improperly performing a relevant function or activity.

The ICB employs a specialist counter-fraud service to provide a comprehensive programme against fraud, bribery and corruption which is overseen by our Chief Finance Officer and the Audit Committee.

The ICB has a zero-tolerance approach to fraud, bribery and corruption, money laundering and other economic crimes and is committed to applying the highest standards of ethical conduct and behaviour, as well as having robust controls in place to prevent these. As well as staff, the ICB also expects its suppliers and contractors and any associated persons to adhere to the same high standards.

Our dedicated policies and procedures set out our expectations and guidance for staff, contractors and anyone else working with or for the ICB with regards to preventing fraud, bribery and corruption, money laundering and other economic crimes and raising concerns. 

We ask all who have dealings with the ICB, as employees, agency staff, trading partners (contractors/suppliers), stakeholders and patients, to help us in our fight against fraud, bribery and corruption and to contact us immediately if any concerns arise. No individual will suffer any detrimental treatment as a result of reporting reasonably held suspicions. The success of the ICB’s anti-fraud, bribery and corruption measures depends on everyone playing their part.

The ICB contracts TIAA Ltd to provide its counter fraud service and you can contact our Counter Fraud Specialist, Arti Scott, Anti-Crime Manager in confidence:

All genuine suspicions of fraud, bribery or corruption can also be reported in confidence to the NHS Fraud and Corruption Reporting website or via free phone 0800 028 40 60.

Clare Stafford
Chief Finance Officer