News Article
15 May 2009
An NHS substance misuse nurse who worked illegally in Chelmsford prison has been sentenced to a total of one year’s imprisonment (13 May Chelmsford Crown Court) following an investigation by NHS Counter Fraud and the UK Border Agency.
Definate Tendayi Mukwe’s last leave to remain in the UK expired in February 2003 and she was refused an extension, but in 2004 began training to become a Registered Nurse. She applied for an NHS Student Bursary to take a nursing diploma at Thames Valley University, which was awarded on the basis of settled status in the UK, which she claimed using a falsely endorsed passport.
Mukwe, registered as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, was arrested at her workplace on 4 December 2008, having been employed at HMP Chelmsford as a Substance Misuse Nurse since June 2008. She had used the same altered Zimbabwean passport, containing a false indefinite leave to remain endorsement, to prove her entitlement to work.
After being interviewed, Mukwe was charged with possessing the false passport with intent and fraud by false representation in connection with her application to work for Her Majesty’s Prison Service. She was also charged with overstaying, and remanded in custody at HMP Holloway. A charge of obtaining money transfers by deception was added after NHS Counter Fraud obtained further evidence in relation to the bursary.
Mukwe initially pleaded not guilty to all charges but, at her trial on 13 May 2009, pleaded guilty to possessing the falsified passport with intent, obtaining the money transfers by deception and overstaying – with the fraud charge relating to her prison employment to lie on file. She was sentenced to a year’s imprisonment in total - six months for the passport offence and six months for obtaining the money transfers (to be served consecutively) and 21 days for overstaying (to be served concurrently).
Addressing Mukwe, His Honour Judge Gratwicke said that the NHS bursary she obtained of £20,636.00 “is money you are not entitled to – it is not your money”.
Essex Police Financial Investigations Unit will consider whether any assets can be seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Frank Ginnelly, Operational Fraud Manager Eastern, NHS Counter Fraud, said: “It is not acceptable to abuse NHS Student Bursaries in this way. This outcome shows the public that NHS Counter Fraud is vigorous in protecting their precious health resources.”
For more information contact James Robertson at the NHS CF press office on 020 7895 4524/ 4523. Out of hours mobile 07717 851 926
Further information on NHS CF can be found at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/CounterFraud.aspx
Notes to Editors
1. NHS Counter Fraud (NHS CF) - a service of the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) - was established to tackle fraud and corruption throughout the NHS and DH whether it involves professionals, staff, patients or contractors. It aims to create a lasting anti-fraud culture.
2. Around 319 professionally-trained and accredited Local Counter Fraud Specialists are in place covering every health body in England and Wales. They are supported nationally and regionally by NHS CF. NHS CF investigations produced potential savings to the NHS of £7,565,014 during 2007-08.
3. In 2007-08 the NHS CF successfully prosecuted 57 criminal cases with a 96% success rate.
4. To report any incident of suspected fraud in the NHS, please call the Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line on 0800 028 40 60.