Sunday 17 November – Saturday 23 November 2024 marks International Fraud Awareness Week (IFAW), a global initiative to raise awareness about fraud and its impact. For the NHS, fraud represents a significant challenge, costing the organisation more than £1.3 billion annually - enough to fund more than 40,000 nurses.

Fraud in the NHS: A Hidden Crime

While the vast majority of people use NHS resources responsibly, a small minority seek to exploit taxpayer funds meant for patient care. As NHS resources face increasing pressure, tackling fraud is more critical than ever.

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) is joining organisations worldwide to shine a spotlight on this issue, working with AuditOne and the NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA) to support this year’s Fraud Week campaign.

Celebrating NHS Fraud Fighters

The 2024 campaign highlights the efforts of professionals dedicated to preventing and addressing fraud in the NHS:

  • Counter Fraud Specialists (CFSs): These frontline experts lead initiatives in fraud awareness, prevention, detection, and investigation.
  • Counter Fraud Champions: Senior leaders who advocate for counter fraud efforts at a strategic level.

How You Can Help

Fraud prevention is a collective responsibility, and everyone can contribute:

  • Stay vigilant and learn how to recognise fraud.
  • Report concerns if you suspect fraudulent activity (contact details below).
  • Follow anti-fraud guidance to prevent fraud from occurring.
  • Spread awareness about the importance of protecting NHS resources within your network.

Get Involved

For more information about NHS fraud, visit the NHSCFA website or follow them on social media (X, LinkedIn, Facebook). 

Report Fraud:

All reports are handled confidentially, with the option to remain anonymous.

Protecting the NHS for the Future

International Fraud Awareness Week is a reminder that fraud affects everyone. By working together to safeguard resources, we can ensure that taxpayer funds continue to support essential patient care.

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