News Article
09 November 2009
A woman who used false documents to gain an NHS bursary, training and work, has been sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for six fraud-related offences at Snaresbrook Crown Court (6th November, 2009). The total loss to the NHS was £72,782.69. The conviction follows an investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Service.
Ipaishe Charuma, 26, of Chadwell Heath, Essex, was refused leave to remain in the UK as a student in October 2001. In March 2005 she began a Mental Health Nursing Diploma course at Thames Valley University (TVU) in Brentford and went on to work at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust as a mental health nurse.
In February 2005 she applied for an NHS student bursary, stating she entered the UK in 2000 and had a student visa. She supported her application with a photocopy of a Zimbabwean passport showing a counterfeit visa stamp giving leave to remain until 24th September 2004, and a photocopy of a counterfeit ‘Home Office’ letter stating her passport was endorsed with an extension of 2 years and 3 months in the UK.
As a result of her fraudulent application she was paid a total of £20,886.98 in bursaries during the three years of her course. Charuma was arrested in April 2009 by Ilford police and interviewed by the NHS Counter Fraud Service, after a search of her home which uncovered a series of counterfeit immigration documents and a Zimbabwean passport containing counterfeit visas and a counterfeit residence permit.
She was employed by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust from 13th March 2006 until her dismissal on 21st April 2009, during which time she earned £51,895.71 gross.
Charuma earlier pleaded guilty to: one offence of False Accounting; one of using a false instrument; two of Obtaining Money Transfers by Deception; one of having in her possession a false identity document; and one of having in her possession articles for use in connection with fraud.
Kevin Cane, London Operational Fraud Manager of the NHS Counter Fraud Service, said: “The sentence reflects the seriousness of these offences and will deter others from making dishonest applications. The NHS Counter Fraud Service will thoroughly investigate all suspicions of fraud and wherever appropriate, will seek prosecution.”
The NHS Counter Fraud Service has referred the case to the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) to consider disciplinary action.
-ENDS-
For more information contact James Robertson or Daryl Barrett at the NHS CFS 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. The NHS Counter Fraud Service (NHS CFS) - a service of the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) - was established to tackle fraud and corruption throughout the NHS and Department of Health 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.
3.The NHS Counter Fraud Service has a network of teams who deal with complex, high value and cross boundary NHS frauds. In 2007-08 NHS CFS saved the NHS £7,565,014
4. In 2007-08 the NHS CFS successfully prosecuted 57 criminal cases with a 96% success rate.
5. To report any incident of suspected fraud in the NHS, please call the Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line on 0800 028 40 60.