News Article
22 December 2009
Press release
Thames Valley nursing student jailed for fraud
For immediate release – Tuesday 22nd December, 2009
A woman with no legal status in the UK, who used forged papers to obtain a nursing place and bursary at Thames Valley University, has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for fraud (Reading Crown Court, Friday 18th December 2009). The conviction follows an investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Service.
Student nurse Shupikai Mbizvo, 29, of Montague Road, Slough, cost the NHS £14,500 through her dishonesty. She was found guilty of Using a False Instrument, contrary to Section 3 of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981.
In March 2005 she successfully applied to study for a Higher Education Diploma in Adult Nursing Partnership at Thames Valley University. To support herself while studying, she also applied for and was awarded an NHS Trust Bursary, including travel costs for work placements.
She provided both the University and NHS Bursaries with a forged Home Office letter stating she had been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Settled status was a necessary condition of the university place and grant being given.
Mbizvo was arrested while on placement at Wexham Park Hospital, Slough in March 2008 by Thames Valley Police. At her student accommodation at the hospital, she surrendered a photocopy of a Zimbabwean passport and a UK national insurance card, both in her name, and the forged Home Office Grant of Status Letter showing a date in April 2004.
Nicole McLaughlin, South East Operational Fraud Manager of the NHS Counter Fraud Service said today:
“It is not acceptable for anybody to exploit the UK’s system of supporting nursing students. The NHS Counter Fraud Service will follow up on all allegations of fraud and wherever appropriate will investigate and press for prosecution. This outcome sends out a strong deterrent message to anyone considering committing fraud against the NHS.”
-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.