DT News - UK - Millions lost to front-line health care abuse in Northern Ireland

Dental Tribune International

Wed. 19 November 2014

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BELFAST, UK: Health and dental care worth £44 million were lost to cross-country fraud last year, Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland has reported. It said that, of over 30,000 dental and ophthalmic treatments claimed for exemption in the region in 2013, over 8,000 have been under investigation owing to charges of abuse.

More than 400 people have been removed from general practitioner lists in the last 18 months owing to fraudulent activities and more than 200 are facing legal action.

In most of these cases, exemption from health care charges was claimed under false pretences or fraud was committed by staff submitting false time or travel sheets.

In one case, for example, £25,000 was claimed by a nurse forging her manager’s signature.

The total loss is estimated at 3–5% of the region’s health care budget, which is £4 billion.

“Fraud affects us all. All organisations suffer as a result and the health service is no exception. Every penny lost to fraud means less to spend on front line services, meaning that the range of treatment and care we may receive is severely reduced,” commented Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Jim Wells on the figures.

He said that the government is doing everything possible to investigate fraud and recover money lost, but support is also needed from the public to tackle the problem.

“No one is above the law. I would encourage everyone within the Health and Social Care system to familiarise themselves with how to report it and ask the public to ensure that they are aware of what they are entitled,” Wells said.

Since 2013, the service has been working with Counter Fraud Services to detect and prevent cases of fraud. This collaboration has resulted in a conviction rate of 96 per cent, according to Health and Social Care.

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