§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many calls to the NHS Counter Fraud Service there were in each of the last three years; and(a) how many and (b) what percentage of calls resulted in a successful prosecution. [118776]
§ Mr. HuttonThe National Health Service Counter Fraud and Security Management Service (NHS CFSMS) receives numerous telephone calls. The total number of call is not recorded. Where a call indicates the possible existence of fraud or corruption within the NHS, it is referred to a counter fraud specialist for assessment. Following the assessment, and where sufficient information or evidence is provided, the matter is investigated and termed a referral. Details of the numbers of referrals received in the last three years, along with cases where fraud was found to be present, are shown in the tables.
Number Number of referrals 1,646 Closed cases 1,244 Cases where fraud present 454 Figures shown as percentage 36.5 The presence of fraud can only be finally determined once a case has been closed and the investigation completed. Four hundred and two cases remain open and are currently under investigation or awaiting sanction. In addition to the 454 cases where fraud was found to be present, fraud was found not to be present in a further 790 cases.
The sanctions available to CFSMS where fraud has been proven are the criminal prosecution and the civil and disciplinary sanction. The figures for the last three years are shown in the table.
Number Cases where fraud present 454 Cases where sanction sought 358 Figures shown as percentage 78.85 Cases where sanction applied 330 Figures shown as percentage 92.17 Sanctions have not been sought in 105 cases where fraud was found to be present. It may not be in the public interest to progress an investigation to the sanction stage for evidential, cost or for medical reasons.
Criminal prosecution and civil and disciplinary action are only part of the sanction process. The CFSMS also seek to recover, wherever possible, moneys that have been fraudulently obtained. The figures for the last three years are shown in the table.
Number Cases where sanction applied 330 Criminal prosecutions 137 Civil and disciplinary sanctions 193 Financial recoveries (£ million) 11.7