International Anti-Corruption Day
Tuesday 09 December 2014 is International Anti-Corruption Day. Fraud and corruption often go hand in hand, therefore today represents an annual opportunity to further raise awareness of the issue and to provide clear direction on how people can report any suspicions or concerns they may have.
Fraud and corruption are serious crimes and we all pay the price for this type of criminal activity. Within the health and social care sector it can take many forms but ultimately any resources lost means there is less available for the delivery of front line services.
Examples of fraud and corruption
Fraudulent or corrupt practices can take many forms – from bribery or embezzlement to extortion and blackmail. The size and diversity of our health service means there can be a wide variety in the types of crime attempted. It is important we can all recognise fraud and corruption. The most common types of cases investigated by BSO Counter Fraud Services include:
- staff submitting false claims for hours worked or submitting inflated travel claims,
- patients fraudulently attempting to obtain prescription medication, either for personal use or resale;
- individuals who are not ordinarily resident in NI accessing free non emergency treatment which they should pay for.
Reporting fraud or corruption
Anyone can report a suspicion of fraud or corruption against Health and Social Care, Northern Ireland. If you have a genuine concern you can report this in confidence, anonymously if you prefer, directly to CFS via the Fraud Hotline on 0800 096 33 96 or by using our online fraud reporting form.
