News Article
28 September 2009
Cornwall surgery manager jailed for £70K theft
A practice manager who stole £70,000 from his employers was sentenced today to 15 months’ imprisonment at Truro Crown Court, after an investigation supported by the NHS Counter Fraud Service (Friday, 25th September 2009). A confiscation order was made that he must pay back £48,000 to the practice.
Richard Matthews, 52, former manager of Rosedean Surgery in Liskeard, was charged with one count of theft between 2003 and September 2007. He pleaded guilty to theft at Truro Crown Court on 28th January 2009, but disputed the total amount he had stolen.
His offences came to light after a doctor took over the dispensing surgery’s financial records and noticed considerable funds had disappeared, mostly recorded by Matthews under ‘petty cash’.
Devon and Cornwall Police arrested and interviewed him in September 2007, and launched an investigation with the support of the NHS Counter Fraud Service.
Debbie Lloyd, South West Operational Fraud Manager, NHS Counter Fraud Service, said today:
“It seems there were no direct losses to the NHS, fortunately, but Matthews was a serious drain on the practice’s own funds. This outcome is a lesson to others who might think of exploiting a position of trust in a close-knit community.They are likely to be caught and will ruin their reputation and career.”
Sally May, Director of Finance at NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust, said: "This conviction sends a clear message that fraud will not be tolerated. NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly continues to raise fraud awareness across the local health community through our Local Counter Fraud Service.”
Anyone who is concerned about a possible fraud against the NHS is encouraged to contact the confidential NHS Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line on 0800 028 40 60.
-ENDS-
For more information contact James Robertson or Daryl Barrett 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.