Health boards take fraud very seriously and even have their own anti-fraud teams. Although fraud is rare, Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board isn’t immune to it and in such a large organisation there’ll always be bad eggs.
According to a report due to be discussed by a health board committee today (pdf), there are currently 11 open fraud cases, while 5 are awaiting closure.
The majority of open cases relate to prescription fraud and overpayment of salaries:
- There were four open cases of salary overpayment ranging from £6,000-£9,000.
- Similarly, there were four open cases relating to prescription fraud. At least two of those cases involved doctors – one of whom is a consultant – who were self-prescribing and/or prescribing to family members.
- Another case of prescription fraud involved a patient who registered at multiple GP practices to gain access to “prescription drugs which are known to have recreational uses”; they were cautioned by the police but have since been re-arrested for continuing to do it.
- One case of theft of petty cash and false declaration of qualifications/employment history. The suspect was arrested by Dyfed-Powys Police and a large amount of property was seized.
- An allegation of misuse of charitable donations to a ward by a ward manager.
- One open investigation into corruption where members of staff were receiving cash payments for duties undertaken in line with their role.
Of the cases which are pending closure:
- An employee was sacked for falsely claiming over time, but they avoided a criminal prosecution as the CPS decided there wasn’t enough evidence.
- A member of staff was suspended by the Nursing & Midwifery Council for working in another job (without authority) whilst on sick leave; again there wasn’t enough evidence for a criminal prosecution.
- There were two cases of false representations when issuing prescriptions. One case involved fraud by abuse of position (doctor) resulting in a suspended sentence and a pending General Medical Council hearing; the other arose from blank prescription sheets and patient details being stolen, resulting in community service and a fine.
- False claims for travel expenses to hospital, but the person involved was flagged to have mental health problems and the amount of money involved was low enough to avoid a criminal case.
