Fraud, Bribery and Corruption

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is responsible for the administration of public funds for the purpose of providing health care to the community we serve.

It is recognised that the existence of fraud and corruption threaten to prevent these funds from providing maximum benefit to patients. The Trust takes a robust response to these threats as reflected in our Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy and through developing an organisational culture that is intolerant of fraud, bribery and corruption.

Suspicions of fraud and corruption may be referred by staff, patients, visitors or others. In any instance where it is believed that the NHS has been defrauded, either internally or externally, our local Anti-Fraud Specialist will undertake an investigation and look to gather evidence that can be used to support a criminal prosecution.

Fraud in the NHS is governed by the NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA); any concerns you may have in relation to a potential fraud at the Trust can be directed to the NHSCFA or to our local Anti-Fraud Specialist. Please see the contact details located below.
 

Bribery Act 2010

The Bribery Act 2010 came into effect on 1st July 2011. Bribery is generally defined as giving someone a financial or other advantage to encourage that person to perform their functions or activities improperly or to reward that person for having already done so. The maximum penalty for bribery is 10 years imprisonment, with an unlimited fine. In addition the Act introduces a corporate offence of failing to prevent bribery if it is found that an organisation does not have adequate preventative procedures in place.

As a result, and in line with national guidance from the NHSCFA, the Chief Executive and Director of Finance have issued a statement to say that the Trust will commit sufficient time and resources to the development and embedding of an appropriate anti-bribery programme.

How to report fraud and corruption

The National NHS Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line is a confidential reporting line operated by Crimestoppers 0800 028 40 60 (Freephone 24 hours); also online at: https://cfa.nhs.uk/reportfraud.

If you would like to find out more about fraud prevention call our local Anti-Fraud Specialist Virginia Martin on 07551 131 109 or by email to: virginia.martin@miaa.nhs.uk

Procurement Fraud Quick Guides