Countering fraud

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is committed to combating NHS fraud.

The Trust’s Counter Fraud Service is provided by the London Audit Consortium, ensuring that a zero tolerance culture towards fraud exists. This service is governed by the Secretary of State, whose requirements are mandatory across the NHS.

The Counter Fraud Service consists of a dedicated team of Local Counter Fraud Specialists (LCFS) who work with 17 client trusts. The primary LCFS for GOSH, John Always, is responsible for all counter fraud arrangements at the Trust.

The Counter Fraud team at GOSH has the full support of the Trust Board, the Audit Committee and the Senior Management team.

Countering fraud at GOSH

The impact of fraud in the NHS is significant. Estimates put it to be as much as five per cent of NHS budgets. As a result, the team’s workload is both varied and challenging.

The Counter Fraud team seeks to tackle fraud in many ways. Over the past few years the team has encouraged a culture of honesty and integrity among staff.

Fraud awareness training

All new staff attending induction training receive a short session covering fraud and the role that they play in countering it.

The Trust accepts that despite having strong management and good internal controls, the opportunity for fraud still exists. Fraud awareness training is therefore included within the training programme for all staff.

Fraud awareness sessions are also being run on clinical, non-clinical and clinical support theory days.

Investigating fraud at GOSH

In order to develop an anti-fraud culture, the Counter Fraud team investigates all allegations of suspected fraud. Many of our successful investigations are publicised at our presentations and will also feature in our upcoming newsletter: Fraud Matters!

Further information

If you require more information concerning fraud, our areas of responsibility, working practices or dedicated training sessions, please feel free to contact us.

Likewise, should any member of staff believe that fraud is being committed within the workplace they should report their concerns directly to the Trust’s Local Counter Fraud Specialist at kam.sandhu@nhs.net or phone 0800 028 40 60.

The LCFS is available to advise on specific issues and/or recommend how concerns may be investigated. All communication with the LCFS is in confidence.

This page was last updated on 09 August, 2011