News Article
08 December 2009
Press release
Senior emergency medic guilty of £46K NHS fraud
For immediate release – Tuesday 8th December, 2009
A nurse who faked his job application to Great Western Ambulance Service, where he worked for over a year as an Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP), has pleaded guilty to fraud (Swindon Crown Court, 7th December 2009). This follows an investigation supported by the NHS Counter Fraud Service (NHS CFS).
Lee Sutherland, 34, of Pontypridd, Cardiff, cost the NHS £46,768.09 in fraudulent earnings and national insurance, pension and training costs. His successful application to work for Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust (GWAS) contained false claims about his qualifications, professional grade and work experience. As a result he earned £36,440.42 as an ECP between 4th June 2007 and 30th September, 2008.
He later submitted a further false application to his former employer, Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust. For each of these two counts of Fraud by False Representation (contrary to section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006) he was fined £1,000. He was also ordered to pay £800 towards costs.
Based at Stroud and Dursley ambulance stations, his ECP position carried higher responsibility than a standard paramedic – he would be the “first responder” who takes charge at an emergency before a doctor arrives. But at the time he applied for the post he had no experience either as a paramedic or in emergency nursing.
His false claim to hold a Diploma in Critical Care was crucial to his being employed in the post, where he was due to be upgraded to Band 6. His two years’ experience in critical care nursing in his previous post, and experience with the South Wales Mountain Rescue Team, would not in themselves have been sufficient to make the shortlist.
Debbie Lloyd, South West Operational Fraud Manager at NHS CFS, said: “This case is an example of the hard work being carried out by Local Counter Fraud Specialists with our support. It is sad that Sutherland chose to overstretch himself and risk ruining his reputation rather than work honestly in a suitable job, but the public rightly demands integrity in the emergency services. NHS CFS thoroughly investigates all suspicions of fraud against the NHS and where appropriate will always press for prosecution. It will also be recommended that his professional body looks at this outcome.”
-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.