Shropcom supports International Fraud Awareness Week

Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust (Shropcom) will be embracing International Fraud Awareness Week (IFAW) by raising awareness of fraud committed against the NHS.

IFAW takes place from 17 November to 23 November, it celebrates counter fraud work and raises fraud awareness across all sectors. Fraud costs the NHS an estimated £1.27 billion a year – that is equivalent to over 56,000 junior doctors or over 40,000 staff nurses. Fraud is committed by a wide range of people, from NHS staff and the general public, to suppliers. Although fraud is committed by a small minority of people, it has a big impact on NHS resources and patient care. Raising awareness of its impact and the ways to mitigate the risk of fraud is essential in reducing fraud affecting the NHS.

Shropcom will be supporting the IFAW campaign by arranging information stands at Trust premises during the week to raise awareness of fraud in the NHS and giving staff and patients an opportunity to raise any concerns they may have.

Terry Feltus, the Trust Local Counter Fraud Specialist (LCFS), said:

“Fraud against the NHS is still something that we need to publicise both internally and externally as it affects all of us. Our campaign will raise awareness of the ways in which people commit fraud against the NHS, how we can all work together to mitigate the risks and the work we do to fight economic crime affecting the NHS."

NHS staff can report concerns internally to their appointed Local Counter Fraud Specialists (LCFSs). Alternatively, anyone can contact the NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA) if they have concerns regarding fraud or other economic crimes. The NHSCFA can be contacted via their 24-hour, confidential reporting line 0800 028 40 60 or their website: www.cfa.nhs.uk


NHS fraud. Spot it, report it, together we stop it.