ANYONE attempting to defraud Hillingdon PCT could find themselves in court thanks to a crackdown which is taking place throughout this month.
As part of Fraud Awareness Month the PCT are educating patients and employees about the damaging effects of fraud and some simple ways to stop it.
Types of NHS fraud and offenders vary, it ranges from patients avoiding paying prescription charges by falsely paying exemptions, or staff gaining employment through false documentation.
Every health body in England and wales has an accredited Local Counter Fraud Specialist (LCFS) who is reponsible for overseeing fraud-proofing measures, studying financial comings and goings, investigating allegations, and raising awareness.
Grand Bezuidenhout, Hillingdn PCT LCFS, said: "The work of LCFSs and the NHS Counter Fraud Service has already recovered tens of millions of pounds of NHS moneyu and led to many fraudsters being prosecuted.
"However we also need every honest person who works in and uses the NHS to help by reporting any fraud that does occur so we can ensure the public funds of the NHS are spent on patient care.
NHS Counter Fraud Service investigations produced potential savings to the NHS of £7,565,014 during 2007-08.
Ann Johnson, Hillingdon PCT's director of finance, said: "Fraud against the NHS is not a victimless crime because these valuable funds are meant for patient care.
"We want to send a clear message that fraud will not be tolerated in our PCT and we will support the prosecution of offenders."
other examples of NHS fraud include staff claiming pay for shifts they did not work, and contractors exaggerating or falsifying records of NHS work.
For more details about Fraud Awareness Month, visit www.cfsms.nhs/fam08
