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International Fraud Awareness Week

Published: 20-11-2020

 

15 – 20 November
It has been a momentous year for the NHS and health sector, and the anti-fraud week is more important than ever in 2020 running from 15 – 20 November.

The NHS Counter Fraud Service Wales (NHS CFS Wales) has a remit to identify and tackle economic crime including fraud, bribery and corruption in NHS Wales. NHS CFS Wales is part of NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP).

For further information on the work of NHS CFS Wales please visit the NWSSP website.

Every Health Body in NHS Wales has a nominated Local Counter Fraud Specialist (LCFS) who are responsible for delivering a proactive Counter Fraud Work Plan to minimise the risks of fraud in NHS Wales. Find out more about your LCFS here.

What can you do to help?

Whatever your role is within the NHS, please join in the fight against fraud by spreading the word. Anyone with a genuine interest in countering fraud can join in the campaign. You might be an NHS employee, contractor, agency staff or volunteer in any NHS or related organisation.

Publicity materials are available here, they are available in both English and Welsh from your LCFS. Please let your LCFS know if you want to or have circulated and displayed the publicity materials within your department/organisation.

During unexpected events like the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHS can become more vulnerable to fraud, and continued vigilance is essential.

Fraud is the crime you are most likely to experience during your lifetime, yet there is a good chance you will never actually see a fraud happening. Fraud is a hidden crime, as fraudsters use deception and target weaknesses in people and systems to make financial gain.

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 the NHS is vulnerable to over £1.2 billion of fraud each year – that is equivalent to the cost of 40,000 nurses.

How to report suspicions of fraud against NHS Wales

You can also help by reporting and suspicions or concerns about fraud against the NHS. It is easy and simple to report fraud using one of the following options:

  • Contact your Local Counter Fraud Specialist on 02920 836265 or send an email to Nigel.Price@wales.nhs.uk
  • Contact NHS CFS Wales on 01495 334100 or send an email to Enquiries@nhscfswales.gov.uk
  • Call the NHSCFA free phone line on 0800 028 40 60 (available 24 hours). All reports are treated in strict confidence, and you have the option to report your concerns anonymously.