News
17 May 2013
NHS Prescription Services need GP and GP practices' views on their information requirements.
16 May 2013
The Department of Health has agreed concession prices for May 2013.
16 May 2013
The Itemised Prescription Payment (IPP) report for January 2013, released in March 2013, includes the second prescription pricing compensation payment.
15 May 2013
The QIPP and Prescribing Comparators reports are changing to reflect the new organisational structure resulting from NHS Reforms in April 2013.
15 May 2013
The Department of Health has agreed a concession price for May 2013
14 May 2013
Are you a continuing student whose studies start again this Autumn? You should by now have received your invite to reapply for an NHS Student Bursary. If you haven’t, please read the guidance below and reapply now.
13 May 2013
Information Services Portal – Dates now available for Webex Sessions
13 May 2013
All invitations and reminders to reapply for a bursary for continuing students whose training recommences in May 2013 have been sent out since March 2013.
10 May 2013
The Department of Health has agreed concession prices for May 2013
08 May 2013
We are currently running an exercise to look at the reported completions for orthodontic courses of treatment and have written to a number of contract holders.
07 May 2013
As part of our ongoing efforts to understand our students’ experiences of applying for an NHS bursary through the Bursary Online Support System (BOSS) we have a short survey available for students to take.
03 May 2013
Decommisioning of Prescribing Dispensing and Financial Management (PDFM) June 2013
30 April 2013
NHS Protect, which provides support and guidance to the NHS on the protection of staff, has retained Reliance High-Tech as the accredited supplier of its NHS framework Lone Worker Service, after a competitive tender process.
29 April 2013
The Department of Health has agreed new April Drug Tariff Part VIIIA reimbursement prices for some generic items
29 April 2013
A GP practice manager who defrauded her employer of £150,000 has been sentenced to 18 months in prison following an investigation supported by NHS Protect. (Manchester Crown Court, Friday 26th April).
26 April 2013
Incorrect price listing in the May 2103 Drug Tariff
24 April 2013
All invitations and reminders to apply for a bursary for continuing students whose training recommences in May 2013 have been sent out since March 2013.
23 April 2013
Missing elements from Hospital Invoices
23 April 2013
The Department of Health has agreed a new April Drug Tariff Part VIIIA reimbursement prices for some generic items
18 April 2013
The Department of Health has agreed a concession price for April 2013
17 April 2013
Are you a continuing student whose studies start again this Autumn? Have you checked to see when you can expect your invite to reapply for an NHS Student Bursary to be sent?
15 April 2013
Student bursary payments for April 2013 continuing students ceasing if applications and evidence were not received.
15 April 2013
The Department of Health has agreed new April Drug Tariff Part VIIIA reimbursement prices for some generic items
10 April 2013
Universal Credit (UC) is a new benefit that will simplify the benefit system by bringing together the current working age benefits for those in and out of work into a single payment system.
10 April 2013
A TRS video presentation for those organisations who do not use the Electronic Staff Record (ESR) is now available to view on You Tube.
09 April 2013
Results for the Information Services Portal user survey 2013 are now available
09 April 2013
Details of the proposed amendments to the NHS Pension Scheme Regulations for the 1995 and 2008 Schemes are now available.
04 April 2013
We are pleased to launch our latest 5 year strategy spanning April 2013 to March 2018.
02 April 2013
Following a consultation last year, changes are being introduced to the Social Work Bursary Scheme from the 2013 academic year.
01 April 2013
Please familiarise yourself with the most recent updates to the POL Guidance Manual. Sections 14, 25 and 30.3 have been updated.
28 March 2013
A new page is now available on the NHS Prescription Services website detailing the changes brought about by NHS Reforms.
28 March 2013
The Department of Health has agreed concession prices for March 2013
28 March 2013
A Suffolk dentist who billed the NHS for deceased patients he did not treat has been jailed for 18 months at Ipswich Crown Court.
27 March 2013
Issue 11 of Prescription Services Hints and Tips, including important information on NHS Reforms, is now available to read.
27 March 2013
Transitional Arrangements for the reimbursement of oxygen equipment deleted from Part X with effect 1st April 2013
25 March 2013
Further guidance for contractors on changes to advance payments and prescriber code requirements - REVISED 7/5/2013.
25 March 2013
New serial numbers to be allocated to all NHS prescription forms in England
22 March 2013
All invitations and reminders to apply for a bursary for continuing students whose training recommences in April 2013 have been sent out since January 2013.
21 March 2013
Information and resources to help members, pension providers and administrators identify potential pension liberation fraud.
21 March 2013
Pharmacy Contractors should note April payment date will be 2 April 2013 due to the 1st falling on a bank holiday.
19 March 2013
The Department of Health has agreed a concession price for March 2013
15 March 2013
All invitations and reminders to reapply for a bursary for continuing students whose training recommences in March 2013 have been sent out since January 2013.
13 March 2013
Invitations to apply for a student bursary for continuing students whose courses begin in Autumn 2013 are still being sent out.
13 March 2013
The Department of Health has agreed concession prices for March 2013
07 March 2013
Enhancements/Features added to ISP
06 March 2013
New fee arrangements for dispensing oral liquid methadone announced.
05 March 2013
The Department of Health has announced the Category M prices
28 February 2013
The first group of invitations to apply for a student bursary for continuing students whose courses begin in Autumn 2013 were sent out from Monday 25 February. These letters were sent by email or post.
25 February 2013
All invitations and reminders to apply for a bursary for continuing students whose training recommences in March 2013 have been sent out since January 2013.
21 February 2013
A healthcare assistant, who lied about his right to work in the UK in order to secure NHS employment, has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, following a fraud investigation by NHS Protect. (Kingston Crown Court, Thursday 21 February.)
18 February 2013
The provisional payments made for 2012/13 to some continuing students have now ended. The last payment was made to students on Friday 15 February 2013.
15 February 2013
The NHSBSA will be holding a Total Rewards Statement employer focused webinar for those organisations who use ESR and whose employees will be provided with a statement this year.
13 February 2013
NHS Protect welcomes the proposed changes in the law that will give greater legal protection to healthcare staff facing dangerous dogs on private property.
13 February 2013
The Department of Health has agreed concession prices for February 2013.
01 February 2013
NHS Reforms - Sender and Receiver Guides are now available on the NHS Pensions website for those organisations affected by transition.
30 January 2013
Invitations to apply for a student bursary for new and continuing students whose courses begin in March and April 2013 have all been sent out now.
30 January 2013
Incorrect price listing in the February 2013 Drug Tariff
30 January 2013
The Pensions and Tax section of the website has now been updated to cover the main tax rules that apply to members of the NHS Pension Scheme.
29 January 2013
Please can all students who are still receiving a provisional payment note that you must complete a BOSS application and send in all of the required supporting evidence by 15 February 2013 in order to receive any bursary payments after February 2013.
25 January 2013
If you are a continuing student whose course starts again in February 2013 and we do not receive your full and complete online bursary application on BOSS with all the requested supporting evidence by Tuesday 5 February, your bursary payments will cease.
25 January 2013
Incorrect price listing in the January 2013 Drug Tariff
18 January 2013
Following feedback from students, the Department of Health have extended the deadline from 30 November 2012 to allow for Social Work bursary application forms for the academic year 2012/13 to now be accepted up until 28 February 2013.
16 January 2013
All invitations and reminders to apply for a bursary for continuing students whose training recommences in January 2013 have been sent out since November 2012.
15 January 2013
The January 2013 editions of Hints and Tips are available now!
15 January 2013
The Department of Health has agreed a concession price for January 2013
14 January 2013
The January 2013 Drug Tariff shows an incorrect price for ActiLymph
11 January 2013
Clarification for contractors regarding endorsement requirements
11 January 2013
Issue 6 of Bursary News is now available. It contains a range of stories and updates from NHS Student Bursaries for HEI administrators and DSA Assessment Centres.
10 January 2013
We are currently reviewing the provision of topical fluoride treatment to children and have written to a number of providers asking them to complete a short questionnaire.
08 January 2013
Details of the proposed 2013/2014 employee contribution rates have recently been provided. The rates shown are due to be implemented from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014.
04 January 2013
An amendment has been made to the Drug Tariff for Gauze Wound Dressing (Smith & Nephew).
21 December 2012
An Endorsement Guidance document has been produced in collaboration with PSNC.
20 December 2012
NHS Prescription Services will remove retired QIPP reports from the Information Services Portal at the end of March 2013.
17 December 2012
Invitations to apply for a student bursary for new and continuing students whose courses begin in January and February 2013 have all been sent out now.
10 December 2012
A man has been ordered to pay £270,000 for stealing from the NHS. If he fails to pay the monies within six months he will be sentenced to three years and two months’ imprisonment. (Croydon Crown Court, Wednesday 5 December).
05 December 2012
A self employed dental surgeon who stole over £15 thousand pounds from the NHS has been sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and a 200 hour community work order, for the submission of claims containing forged patient declarations.
30 November 2012
NHS Protect collects and collates figures for physical assaults against NHS staff from NHS bodies across England on an annual basis. NHS Protect today released the 2011-12 figures for physical assaults against NHS staff.
23 November 2012
With the Christmas break just around the corner, NHS Prescription Services will be working hard to ensure there are no delays to your advance payments.
20 November 2012
On 20 November 2012, the Department of Health started a consultation on the draft NHS Pension Scheme, Additional Voluntary Contributions and Injury Benefits (Amendment) Regulations 2013.
14 November 2012
Help with Health Costs launch a NEW poster and leaflet to raise awareness of Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs)
13 November 2012
Issue 5 of Bursary News is now available. It contains a range of stories and updates from NHS Student Bursaries for HEI administrators and DSA Assessment Centres.
13 November 2012
A man who was mistakenly paid a salary long after he left his NHS job and did not report it has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and 200 hours of unpaid work following an investigation by NHS CFS (Wales).
30 October 2012
The NHS Business Services Authority will be carrying out a major IT system upgrade during the weekend of 2 – 5 November.
29 October 2012
The NHS Business Services Authority will be carrying out a major IT system upgrade during the weekend of 2 – 5 November.
29 October 2012
The NHS Business Services Authority will be carrying out a major IT system upgrade during the weekend of 2 – 5 November.
26 October 2012
Changes to the social work bursary have been announced today by the Department of Health to provide clarity to prospective students and higher education institutions.
25 October 2012
NHS Student Bursaries and Social Work Bursaries would like to apologise to any customers who’ve had problems trying to phone our helpline over the last few days.
24 October 2012
The Prime Minister announced an initiative this week where pharmacies will be able to claim cheap financing from their banks.
09 October 2012
Issue 9 of Hints & Tips now available!
05 October 2012
A dentist who stole £1.4million from the NHS by submitting over 7,000 false claims for payment has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment, following an investigation by NHS Protect.
03 October 2012
With the introduction of the Lifetime Allowance (LTA) HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) also brought in a number of measures that allowed the protection of existing pension provision, including Enhanced and Fixed Protection.
27 September 2012
Details have now been announced of an additional payment to be made to pharmacy contractors to take account of prescription pricing processing errors during the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012.
22 August 2012
NHS Pension Scheme Accounts were laid before parliament on12 July 2012, the published version can be viewed here
16 August 2012
A man who threatened a nurse with a knife at Salford Royal hospital has received a Criminal Anti-social Behaviour Order (CRASBO) on conviction. (Manchester Crown Court, Thursday 9 August 2012).
09 August 2012
A man who registered at multiple GP practices across England and Wales in order to obtain prescription drugs has received a year’s imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, following an investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Service Wales.
09 August 2012
Two Hinckley dentists who claimed more than £45K of NHS money for treating patients who were also seen privately, have each been sentenced today to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for a year, and 300 hours of community work.
02 August 2012
Are you applying for your bursary online this year? Please be aware, questions regarding maintenance payments relate only to child maintenance you pay or receive.
01 August 2012
Today sees the launch of three new NHSBSA Facebook pages.
01 August 2012
HMRC have allowed all pension schemes until 6 October 2013 before they have to send Pension Saving Statement’s to members affected by the reduction in the annual allowance from 6 April 2011.
31 July 2012
If you are an existing (continuing) student and are reapplying for your NHS student bursary on BOSS, please note that you do not need to resend in all of your ID if you have already submitted this before.
27 July 2012
Issue 8 of Hints and Tips now available!
25 July 2012
Did you know that one of the most common queries received is ‘Am I eligible for a NHS Bursary?’
25 July 2012
Please note that best endeavours will be made to assess applications within 20 working days from the requested return date in your invite correspondence.
25 July 2012
Please note that if you are a new or a continuing student your childcare allowance will start from the commencement date of your college course and not from the beginning of the month as in previous years.
18 July 2012
Have you checked your BOSS account to make sure there is no outstanding evidence required?
22 June 2012
The NHS Business Services Authority will be holding its annual public meeting at 4.30pm on Wednesday 4 July 2012 in the Boardroom of Stella House, Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 8NY.
31 May 2012
The latest version of Bursary News which contains a range of stories and updates from NHS Student Bursaries for all HEI administrators is now available.
21 May 2012
Notification to students who are entitled to the 'extra weeks' allowance
01 May 2012
Over the next few weeks we will be inviting students commencing their courses from June to October 2012 to make an application.
01 May 2012
A man who made false representations and produced a forged visa to study nursing and work in the NHS has received a one year suspended prison sentence following an investigation by NHS Protect (Isleworth Crown Court, Friday 27 April 2012).
20 April 2012
Some students in April cohorts were asked to make a new bursary application via our new Bursary On line Support System (BOSS) in order to receive further payments from April 2012.
13 April 2012
Information on the new NHS dental charges which took effect from 1 April 2012
02 April 2012
Powers brought into force in November 2009 to help staff deal with anti-social behaviour on NHS hospital premises are proving very effective where used, say NHS staff.
09 March 2012
NHS Student Bursaries has produced a high level charter that outlines the role and responsibilities of individual students, NHS Student Bursaries and Higher Education Institutes to successfully work together in administering the NHS Student Bursary Scheme
06 March 2012
The latest version of Bursary News which contains a range of stories and updates from NHS Student Bursaries for all HEI administrators is now available.
01 March 2012
HMRC has introduced Fixed Protection for individuals who may be affected by the reduction in the standard lifetime allowance from 6 April 2012. Fixed Protection applications must reach HMRC no later than 5 April 2012.
24 February 2012
Due to changing priorities, and feedback received from NHS and partner organisations, five new QIPP comparators have been introduced and four are to be retired.
14 February 2012
The Department of Health have developed calculators to enable members of the NHS Pension Scheme to estimate their future benefits and see any changes to their current scheme benefits under the Government's proposed new scheme.
13 February 2012
In the budget on 23 March 2011, HM Treasury confirmed that they were considering a review of the basis for the calculation of CETVs payable from public service schemes, including the NHS Pension Scheme. That review is now complete.
03 February 2012
The Department of Health, NHS Employers and NHS Pensions have jointly launched a charter which outlines the roles and responsibilities of Scheme Employers in locally adminstering the NHS Pension Scheme.
27 January 2012
An update to pharmacy contractors following the deadline for requests for rechecking. This article provides information on the number of requests received and the planned process for undertaking them.
26 January 2012
A full time hospital porter who worked illegally for the NHS for six years has been sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, following an investigation by NHS Protect. (Blackfriars Crown Court, Wednesday 25 January 2012).
24 January 2012
Following the introduction of Drug Tariff Special Order products, an additional tag has been created within ePACT.net.
20 January 2012
NHS Prescription Services will be contacting all dispensing contractors who have been underpaid as a result of database price errors identified during routine audit activity.
20 January 2012
Further information about the contribution increases for the NHS Pension Scheme planned for April 2012 is now available on this website.
13 January 2012
A Brixton dentist has today been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for creating fictitious patients and fraudulently claiming money for treating them from the NHS, following an investigation by NHS Protect. (Southwark Crown Court, 13 January 2012).
12 January 2012
In the budget on 23 March 2011, HM Treasury confirmed that they were considering a review of the basis for the calculation of CETVs payable from public service schemes, including the NHS Pension Scheme. That review is now complete.
06 January 2012
A man who had £250,000 of stolen NHS money paid into his bank account, and spent over £100,000 of it, has today been sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment. (Woolwich Crown Court, Friday 6 January 2012).
21 December 2011
On 20th December 2011 the Department of Health outlined the Heads of Agreement on the proposed design of the NHS Pension Scheme from 2015. Read more....
08 December 2011
On 8th December 2011, the Department of Health started a consultation on the National Health Service Pension Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2012. The consultation will end on 20 February 2012 with the regulations due to be effective from 1 April 2012.
29 November 2011
A registered nurse who was part of a family who falsely obtained NHS-funded training, bursaries and employment, has been sentenced following an investigation by NHS Protect (Bristol Crown Court, Monday 28 November).
25 November 2011
A former London practice manager has been sentenced to three years' imprisonment after defrauding the doctors she worked for of £267K (Wood Green Crown Court, Friday 25 November 2011).
25 November 2011
The Department of Health have provided a calculator for Members of the NHS Pension Scheme to support their understanding of the proposed changes in pension relating to the Hutton reform.
24 November 2011
A nurse who used false documents to secure an NHS-sponsored university place and bursary has today been sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, a four month curfew order and 200 hours of unpaid work.
10 November 2011
Sanctions taken against those who assault NHS staff have increased by almost a quarter on last year, figures released today by NHS Protect show.
04 November 2011
NHS Protect has signed a three-way agreement with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to curb violence and anti-social behaviour in the NHS.
04 November 2011
In the budget on 23 March 2011, HM Treasury confirmed that they were considering a review of the basis for the calculation of CETVs payable from public service schemes, including the NHS Pension Scheme.
02 November 2011
On 2 November the Health Secretary wrote to all Chairs of NHS Trusts, SHAs, PCTs, FTs and Arms Length Bodies about the Government’s proposed changes to public service pension schemes.
31 October 2011
A man who helped launder the proceeds of a fraud against the NHS by five others has been sentenced at Southwark Crown Court today, concluding an investigation by NHS Protect.
25 October 2011
A man who posed for years as a qualified doctor by hijacking a genuine GP’s medical credentials has been jailed after a major fraud investigation by NHS Protect (Croydon Crown Court, Monday 24 October).
20 October 2011
A nursing student who used forged identity papers to secure NHS jobs and an NHS-sponsored university place has received a six month suspended jail sentence after being investigated by NHS Protect (Inner London Crown Court, Wednesday 19 October).
19 October 2011
We are pleased to announce that the new NHS Student Bursary application system is going live from 28 October 2011 at 12pm
12 October 2011
The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) is delighted to announce that the Appointments Commission have confirmed the re-appointment of Anne Galbraith to the NHSBSA Board.
12 October 2011
Student Bursaries are currently experiencing a high volume of applications and apologise for the delays some students are experiencing.
03 October 2011
A new forecasting template for Primary Care drug spend planning has been added to NHS Prescription Services website
08 September 2011
The purpose of this article is to remind employers that a member of the NHS Pension Scheme may only make one formal application for the payment of benefits.
01 September 2011
Please read if you are still to submit an application for the 2011/12 academic year
28 July 2011
The Department of Health is currently consulting on changes to employee contributions to the NHS Pension Scheme. The consultation exercise will run until 21st October 2011.
20 July 2011
Please read for information regarding sending us your original documentation
20 July 2011
Please read for details of new NHS Bursary Scheme arrangements from 1 September 2012 announced by the Deptartment of Health
13 July 2011
Department of Health announce changes to Tuition Fee eligibility for new Medical and Dental students commencing courses in the 2012/13 academic year
11 May 2011
Article outlining the effects of the change in pension indexation measure and the steps that NHS Pensions is taking to notify scheme members about them.
04 April 2011
The fight to protect the NHS in England from crime is strengthened today (4th April, 2011) with the launch of NHS Protect, which has the national responsibility to lead work on protecting NHS staff and resources from crime.
01 April 2011
Note from Department of Health Pensions Policy Team regarding the potential impact on the NHS Pension Scheme if reforms are introduced along the lines of those recommended by Lord Hutton.
25 March 2011
As a result of the Budget of 23 March 2011, HM Treasury has confirmed that they are considering a review of the basis for the calculation of CETVs payable from public service schemes, including the NHSPS.
23 March 2011
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has recently amended its guidance (NIM02245) on National Insurance Contributions (NICs) liabilities in respect of National Health Service (NHS) Injury Benefit payments.
10 March 2011
The Independent Public Service Commission’s final report into the future provisions of Public Service Pensions was published on 10 March 2011. This article outlines the Government’s initial response and provides a link to the report itself.
04 March 2011
On 4 March 2011, the Department of Health started a consultation on the draft NHS Pensions Scheme, Injury Benefits and AVC (Amendment) regulations 2011. This consultation on the amendments will run from 4 March 2011 and last until 27 May 2011.
21 February 2011
The latest edition of the PCT dicussion document "February 2011 Hypnotics - Prescribing guidance and discussion points" is now available.
16 February 2011
The latest edition of Prescribing Review 'October - December 2010 Hypnotic Drugs' is now available
09 February 2011
Website update complete
07 February 2011
Important - Changes to website - Please read
20 January 2011
A new range of ePACT user guides are now available to Information Service users
13 December 2010
In his budget of 22 June 2010, the Chancellor announced a change in the future pension increase basis from the Retail Prices Index (RPI) to the Consumer Prices Index (CPI).
08 December 2010
On 3 December 2010, the Department of Health started a consultation on the draft NHS Pension Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2011. This consultation will last until 15 February 2011.
23 November 2010
New technology backed by strong management has proven to be an award-winning combination for the NHS Security Management Service (SMS).
19 November 2010
The latest edition of Prescribing Review "July - September 2010 Contraceptives" is now available.
19 November 2010
The latest edition of the PCT discussion document "November 2010 Contraceptives - Prescribing guidance and discussion points" is now available.
26 October 2010
Notification of changes that NHS Pensions is introducing from 4 January 2011 in regard to pension sharing orders.
22 October 2010
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced a significant change to the way in which tax relief is provided to members of pension schemes in the UK.
07 October 2010
Lord Hutton published his interim report on the future of public sector pensions on 7th October 2010. This contains his initial analysis of the current position regarding public sector pensions.
01 October 2010
Information on the transformation programme for the DRS in England
17 September 2010
NHS Prescription Services is currently reviewing the suitability of these reports. Please give us your views by completing either or both of these brief surveys.
25 August 2010
A Bristol hospital worker who worked on an intensive therapy unit (ITU) ward has been jailed for five months for defrauding his employer of over £96,000, following an investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Service.
24 August 2010
The latest edition of Prescribing guidance and discussion points, 'April - June 2010 Drugs for Dyspepsia' is now available.
24 August 2010
The latest edition of Prescribing Review, 'April - June 2010 Gastro-intestinal' is now available.
16 August 2010
A nursing graduate has been sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment following an investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Service (Liverpool Crown Court, Thursday 12 August).
12 August 2010
A kitchen porter at Harrogate District Hospital who came to the UK on a student visa and was never entitled to work full time has been sentenced for defrauding the NHS.
10 August 2010
The NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS) has launched new guidance on the use of markers on patients’ care records, which alert NHS staff to the risk of physical violence or aggression.
22 July 2010
The revised Forecast Out-turn figures for 2010/11 are now available.
16 July 2010
A civil servant has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for defrauding his employers, the Department of Health and later the Ministry of Justice after stealing more than £137,000 (Southwark Crown Court, Wednesday 14 July).
13 July 2010
From 1 August 2010, any patient who presents an NHS prescription form originating from Northern Ireland (coded HS21CS) will not pay a prescription charge for any items on that form that are dispensed in England.
07 July 2010
An NHS worker who stole another woman’s identity to obtain jobs at West London Mental Health Trust (WLMHT), and to train as a nurse, has been imprisoned for eight months after defrauding the NHS of £210,000 (Isleworth Crown Court, 5th July 2010).
02 July 2010
An agency worker who was overpaid by over £18,000 after submitting forged timesheets has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment at Sheffield Crown Court (Thursday 1st July).
29 June 2010
Two sisters who lived in the UK illegally for many years, and committed almost identical frauds against the NHS, have each been sentenced to ten months’ imprisonment at Luton Crown Court (Monday 28th June 2010).
25 June 2010
A woman who was first refused asylum in the UK in 2002 has been sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, for defrauding the NHS of over £18,000 (Woolwich Crown Court, Thursday 24th June 2010).
17 June 2010
3rd Newsletter clarifying NHS Dental Services arrangements for NHS Wales reorganisation
10 June 2010
A senior NHS manager who bought horse semen, thoroughbred horses and numerous other goods and services for her private stud business with NHS funds was jailed for two years and nine months for defrauding the NHS of over £200,000.
02 June 2010
A homeless man with over 70 aliases who became an expert at faking illness and cost the NHS tens of thousands of pounds in wasted care has been issued with a three year criminal Asbo at Bolton Crown Court, 1st June.
01 June 2010
It is easy for the public and NHS workers to report suspected fraud against the NHS. But too many potential allies in the fight against fraud are still unsure whether to report their suspicions, because they are not certain what counts as fraud.
28 May 2010
A nursing student at the University of Bedfordshire has been sentenced to a total of 15 months’ imprisonment for defrauding the NHS of nearly £28,000. (Peterborough Crown Court, Thursday 27th May, 2010).
25 May 2010
A woman with no right to remain or work in the UK, who has been in the country for over a decade, has received a six month jail sentence, suspended for twelve months, for fraud against the NHS.
21 May 2010
The latest edition of the PCT discussion document "May 2010 Asthma and COPD - Prescribing guidance and discussion points" is now available.
21 May 2010
The latest edition of Prescribing Review, "January - March 2010 Asthma and COPD" is now available.
19 May 2010
The prosecution of a violent patient by the Legal Protection Unit (LPU) of the NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS) has resulted in a section 37 Hospital Order with a Section 41 Restriction Order being imposed.
13 May 2010
From 11 May 2010, the Department of Health started a consultation on draft regulations - NHS Pensions Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2010. This consultation will last until 8 June 2010.
10 May 2010
Following an investigation supported by the NHS Counter Fraud Service, the former manager of GP practices in Dover and London has been jailed for four and a half years at Canterbury Crown Court (Friday 7th May, 2010).
04 May 2010
Following a joint exercise between the NHS Counter Fraud Service, UK Borders Agency and the University of Bedfordshire, a former nursing student was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Friday 30 April 2010 to 9 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
01 May 2010
An NHS bereavement adviser, who stole hundreds of thousands of pounds from the estates of dead patients, has been jailed for five years at Leicester Crown Court (Friday 30th April).
01 May 2010
A former nursing student of Thames Valley University and the University of Bedfordshire received 26 weeks imprisonment today, suspended for 12 months, to be served concurrently, after defrauding the NHS of nearly £40,000 (Luton Crown Court, 30th April).
29 April 2010
A woman who defrauded the NHS of over £24,000 was sentenced today to 9 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, after being investigated by the NHS Counter Fraud Service (Teeside Crown Court, Thursday 29th April).
27 April 2010
A woman whose application for asylum in the UK was refused, after she overstayed on a student visa, has been sentenced to six months in prison for defrauding the NHS (Reading Crown Court, Monday 26th April).
15 April 2010
We will be reviewing the awards of all students paid the Childcare Allowance in the period 1 September 2009 to 28 February 2010.
01 April 2010
A Liverpool woman who stole cheques for six years from the hospital crèche she managed was sentenced today at Liverpool Crown Court to 27 months imprisonment.
29 March 2010
An IT specialist who defrauded nearly £57,000 of public money when he worked at the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA) was sentenced to one year in prison (Teesside Crown Court, Friday 26th March).
29 March 2010
A Liverpool nursing student who had no right to remain in the UK was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years, for defrauding the NHS of nearly £22,000 (Liverpool Crown Court, 25th March 2010)
25 March 2010
An NHS dentist was sentenced to two years imprisonment today at Bradford Crown Court after pleading quilty to defrauding Bradford and Airedale Primary Care Trust of £85,000. He paid back the full amount to the Trust just before sentencing.
20 March 2010
A senior manager who worked for 19 years within the NHS has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and to perform 200 hours of unpaid community work for fraud, following an investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Service.
17 March 2010
Following a successful prosecution by the NHS Legal Protection Unit (LPU), a man who threatened staff with knives at the Daisy psychiatric ward in Prospect Park Hospital, Reading, has received a conditional discharge (Reading Magistrates Court, 12 March)
11 March 2010
The practice manager of a GP surgery in Chesterfield, who stole over £30,000 from her employers by fiddling the monthly figures and writing cheques to herself, was sentenced today at Derby Crown Court (Thursday 11th March).
05 March 2010
A GP practice manager, who was jailed only two years ago for stealing £38,000 from her employers in Shropshire, was sentenced today to 150 hours unpaid work for failing to declare her criminal convictions when she got a new job in Balsall Heath.
01 March 2010
The latest edition of the PCT discussion document 'February 2010 Antibiotics excluding Topical Preparations - Prescribing guidance and discussion points' is now available.
01 March 2010
The latest edition of Prescribing Review, 'Oct - Dec 09 Antibiotics excluding Topical Preparations' is now available.
23 February 2010
The NHS Security Management Service (SMS) welcomes the positive revisions to the sixth edition of the Code for Crown Prosecutors, which underscore the public interest in prosecuting all those who attack health workers.
02 February 2010
As stated in the December 2009 Newsletter, all requests for information must be received by NHS Pensions between 1 February and 12 February 2010 to enable us to provide you with the necessary disclosure information by 16 April 2010.
19 January 2010
From 20 November 2009, the Department of Health started a consultation on the draft NHS Pensions Scheme and Additional Voluntary Contributions (Amendment) Regulations 2010. This consultation will last until 5 February 2010.
18 January 2010
NHS Prescription Services is running workshops to find out users views on its information reports.
14 January 2010
Proposed amendments to the Drug Tariff April 2010 as a result of the new arrangements have been added to this section.
22 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).
21 December 2009
A senior NHS human resources manager, who lied about her qualifications to Devon Primary Care Trust (PCT), has received a six month suspended prison sentence and an order to pay £9,600 in compensation (Exeter Crown Court, 18th December 2009).
08 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, has pleaded guilty to fraud.
30 November 2009
The NHS has today been given new powers to deal with low level anti-social behaviour. The Criminal Justice and Immigration Act (CJIA) 2008 creates a new criminal offence of causing a nuisance or disturbance on NHS hospital premises and refusing to leave.
25 November 2009
The latest edition of Prescribing Review, "July - Sept 2009 ACE Inhibitors and AIIRAs" is now available.
25 November 2009
The latest edition of the PCT discussion document "November 2009 ACE Inhibitors and AIIRAs - Prescribing guidance and discussion points" is now available.
25 November 2009
A clerk has been sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment at Lincoln Crown Court (Friday 20th November) for the theft of nearly £40,000 from the GP practice she worked for in Long Sutton.
18 November 2009
2nd Newsletter clarifying NHS Dental Services arrangements for NHS Wales reorganisation
16 November 2009
The annual reported assault figures against NHS staff in England are released today by the NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS).
10 November 2009
The vital year-round work of the NHS Security Management Service is explained by Managing Director Dermid McCausland in an online broadcast.
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.
30 October 2009
As of 1 November 2009 Olive Oil liquid has been removed from Part VIII of the Drug Tariff
27 October 2009
From 16 November 2009 the NHS Dental Services helpdesk will be relocating to the Newcastle offices of the NHS Business Services Authority.
22 October 2009
A message from NHS Pensions following the announcement of Postal Strikes at the Royal Mail.
20 October 2009
A radiography student who used a fraudulently-obtained British passport to gain her NHS-funded university place and bursary has been sentenced to a total of 19 months’ imprisonment.
19 October 2009
A GP practice manager has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment suspended for 2 years for the theft of over £56,000 from her employers (Derby Crown Court, Friday 16 October).
19 October 2009
A student who was failed part way through an NHS-funded, 3-year nursing diploma at City University, London, and then embarked on a similar course at Thames Valley University, has been sentenced to 9 months’ imprisonment for fraud and faces deportation.
02 October 2009
We have introduced a new NHS Pension Choice Opt-In Form which will replace the Retirees Declaration Form
17 September 2009
The presentation used for the annual public meeting held on the 16 September 2009 available here
16 September 2009
This note provides information to Independent Financial Advisers about changes that NHS Pensions is introducing when they request multiple estimates on behalf of their clients.
04 September 2009
Members of the public are invited to attend a meeting of the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) on Wednesday 16 September 2009 at 4pm in the Board Room, Bridge House, 152 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6SN.
01 September 2009
The guidance document "An Introduction to Part IX of the Drug Tariff" has been updated and the new version can be found here.
26 August 2009
NHS Student Bursaries would like to reassure any students who have recently sent in applications for bursaries for 2009/10 academic year that we are processing applications as normal.
26 August 2009
The latest edition of the Prescribing Review, "April - June 2009 Antipsychotic drugs", is now available.
26 August 2009
The latest edition of the PCT discussion document "August 2009 Antipsychotic drugs" is now available.
17 August 2009
Paul Rich and David Hulf have been re-appointed to their roles on the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) Board as Chair and Non Executive Director respectively.
13 August 2009
1st Newsletter clarifying NHS Dental Services arrangements for NHS Wales reorganisation
05 August 2009
Nurses, doctors, ambulance crews and other NHS staff in Suffolk who are assaulted or abused can expect enhanced support from the authorities thanks to the signing today of an innovative three-way agreement designed to help reduce the problem.
03 August 2009
Contractors should note the following changes to the August edition of the Drug Tariff
31 July 2009
Following a commitment made by the Health Secretary, the Department of Health announced in May 2009 that 30,000 NHS lone workers will receive personal security alarms.
16 June 2009
The ‘Liquid Specials’ tag in ePACT has been re-named ‘Special order products’ to reflect additional presentations which have been added which include creams, ointments, tablets etc.
16 June 2009
A number of changes are being made to ePACT following the review of Toolkit indicators which was carried out by the Prescribing Support Unit at the Information Centre.
08 June 2009
The Department of Health has changed the consultation and effective date arrangements for the NHS Pension Scheme, Injury Benefits and Additional Voluntary Contributions (Amendment) Regulations 2009.
04 June 2009
NHS Prescription Services has launched a new online, interactive quiz to help dispensing contractors improve their knowledge on whether to submit their prescription forms as exempt or chargeable.
02 June 2009
The contribution of the public and healthcare workers in the fight against fraud and corruption is commended by Managing Director of NHS Counter Fraud, Dermid McCausland in an online broadcast at www.nhscounterfraud.nhs.uk to launch Fraud Awareness Month
28 May 2009
NHS Prescription Services’ West Bromwich prescription processing office will close in July this year.
22 May 2009
This note provides an update to members who have requested a transfer of benefits and may be experiencing delays.
22 May 2009
This note provides a update to any members who are awaiting service information
22 May 2009
A woman who pretended to be Dutch to get a university nursing place and over £36,000 in NHS student bursaries was today sentenced to a total of 12 months’ imprisonment for fraud at Harrow Crown Court (22nd May).
22 May 2009
Following a change to legislation on 3rd April 2009
21 May 2009
NHS Prescription Services announced today that it will publish the following month’s electronic NHS England and Wales Drug Tariff three working days early.
19 May 2009
A registered learning disabilities nurse, Dzikamai Mussett Mhakayakora, has been jailed for nine months for fraud after being investigated by NHS Counter Fraud and the UK Border Agency (UKBA), at Chelmsford Crown Court (18th May).
19 May 2009
A man who used a forged document to obtain an NHS bursary and train as a mental health nurse has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for fraud at Sheffield Crown Court (18 May 2009) after a joint investigation by NHS Counter Fraud.
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.
08 May 2009
Essex dentist Geoffrey O’Sullivan was sentenced to four months imprisonment yesterday at Chelmsford Crown Court, charged with defrauding the NHS of £10,000 through false accounting following an investigation by NHS Counter Fraud (NHS CF).
01 May 2009
The Information Centre for Health and Social Care have published the Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) for 2008 and a new service to allow Primary Care Trust Prescribing Data to be viewed on their website.
23 April 2009
Philip Andrew Hunt, former practice manager of a GP surgery in Carmarthenshire, was sentenced to two years imprisonment for defrauding the NHS to obtain a powerful painkilling drug - following an investigation supported by NHS Counter Fraud.
23 April 2009
A Department of Health (DH) staff member and a Preston shopkeeper, who conspired to defraud the DH of nearly £50,000 by abusing the Welfare Food Scheme, have received prison sentences at Leeds Crown Court (22 April).
03 April 2009
A Zimbabwean man living illegally in the UK for the past five years was today sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment for each of eight offences, to run concurrently, following an investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Service (Guildford Crown Court).
27 March 2009
The following changes to the Dental Practitioners' Formulary came into force on 1 March 2009....
25 March 2009
Leading pharmacist Dr Hooman Ghalamkari MBE received a nine-month jail sentence today at Worcester Crown Court (25th March), after an investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Service (CFS).
17 March 2009
Leading pharmacist Dr Hooman Ghalamkari MBE is due to be sentenced this Wednesday at Worcester Crown Court (18th March), after an investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Service (CFS).
09 March 2009
A man from Rixton has been sentenced to 16 weeks’ imprisonment suspended for 18 months after pleading guilty to assaulting a student nurse when he was an inpatient at Warrington Hospital in December 2008.
06 March 2009
The order number for the B Braun Urimed night drainage bag...
06 March 2009
The Department of Health have announced the price changes for Category M which will apply to prescriptions dispensed from the 1st April 2009.
05 March 2009
This note provides an update to members who have requested information about buying Added Year and may be experiencing delays.
05 March 2009
An error has been discovered, which will affect a small percentage of pensioners in all Public Sector Pension Schemes, including current pensioners of the NHS Pension Scheme.
03 March 2009
The Department of Health have announced the price changes for Category M which will apply to prescriptions dispensed from the 1st April 2009.
03 March 2009
The latest edition of the PCT discussion document "February 2009 Atopic Eczema -Prescribing guidance and discussion points" is now available
03 March 2009
The latest edition of the Prescribing Review, "October-December 2008 Drugs used for Eczema" is now available.
03 March 2009
The following items appear in the March 2009 edition of the Drug Tariff with an incorrect price of 249p instead of 7470p for a pack of 30...
25 February 2009
A review of Practice Learning Opportunity (PLO) funding, was recently undertaken. As as result of that review, a total PLO contribution of £1,725 will be payable for the duration of the course, regardless of the students' study pattern.
19 February 2009
A health care assistant, Maria Jimenez, received an 18 month supervision order today at Nottingham Crown Court for defrauding the NHS by altering her timesheets, following an investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Service.
18 February 2009
A Zimbabwean man living illegally in the UK for the past five years has been found guilty of frauds worth over £100,000 at Guildford Crown Court today following an investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Service.
17 February 2009
This note provides an update for members who have requested an estimate/A-Day Valuation Request
13 February 2009
The February 2009 published Drug Tariff does not include Budesonide 200micrograms/dose inhaler [200 dose] as a part VIII generic category C product based upon Pulmicort ®....
12 February 2009
Head of Security Management, Richard Hampton, will be speaking at the NHS Workforce Health and Wellbeing conference at the Earls Court Conference Centre in London on 24th March 2009.
06 February 2009
Contractors should note the following changes to products listed in Part IX of the Drug Tariff.
04 February 2009
Two men who ran a private decompression chamber designed to treat potentially fatal cases of “the bends” in divers and their accomplice were sentenced today for conspiring to defraud the NHS of £250,000.
30 January 2009
A printing error has occurred within the February 2009 edition of the Drug Tariff. Pages i and ii of the Preface have been omitted, these are available in the Preface to the electronic Drug Tariff.
20 January 2009
A Coventry woman received a 61 week custodial sentence at Coventry Crown Court this week (15 January 2009) for using false identities to obtain drugs from a pharmacy in Gloucestershire.
20 January 2009
Pharmacist Mr Subhash K Mehta has been sentenced to 12 months in prison and given a £45,000 confiscation order at Southwark Crown Court (19 January 2009) following an investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Service (CFS).
16 January 2009
Liverpool dentist Robert Nolan was today sentenced to twenty custodial sentences of 36 weeks each to be served concurrently, suspended for 18 months, after being found guilty of multiple counts of fraudulently claiming money from the NHS.
09 January 2009
The NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Service (NHS CFSMS) is pleased to announce that a revised memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed with the Audit Commission.
08 January 2009
HR manager Attah Okoji was today handed a six-month suspended jail sentence at Newcastle Crown Court for lying about his criminal convictions to get a job in England’s largest mental health trust – the Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Trust.
06 January 2009
A former Director of Planning and Service Modernisation at NHS Stoke on Trent has been sentenced to 12 weeks in custody after lying on his CV about his professional qualifications.
05 January 2009
A doctor who was working for a drug and alcohol advice service today pleaded guilty at Watford Magistrates’ Court to seven counts of forgery after falsifying prescription claims.
23 December 2008
The name of the product ‘Sharpsbin' was changed to ‘Sharpsguard' over a year ago.
11 December 2008
A Somerset man who assaulted two NHS staff causing them physical injury was today sentenced for three counts of common assault at Taunton Crown Court.
09 December 2008
The Department of Health have announced the price changes for Category M which will apply to prescriptions dispensed from the 1st January 2009.
01 December 2008
NHSBSA non executive director is re-appointed to the Board
28 November 2008
The recent payment awarded by the Department of Health to Essential Small Pharmacies will be shown on the Schedule of Contractor Payments..
21 November 2008
On 19 November 2008, the Department of Health started a consultation on the draft NHS Pension Scheme and Injury Benefits (Amendment) Regulations 2009. This consultation will last until 11 February 2009.
05 November 2008
Official figures released today by the NHS Security Management Service (SMS) show that there were 55,993 reported physical assaults against NHS staff in England 2007/8 – a rise of 284 from last year’s figure of 55,709.
01 November 2008
Improving staff safety and security in NHS Trusts across England will be the focus of this year’s Security Awareness Month (SAM) in November.
31 October 2008
Three Non Executive Directors have been re-appointed to the NHSBSA Board for a second term.
01 October 2008
An annual review of how all divisions of the NHSBSA have been performing 2007 to 2008
30 September 2008
Following the what's new item on 11 August, the NHSBSA PPD would like to remind all of it's dispensing contractor customers..
25 September 2008
Please note the following three products have been recalculated..
19 September 2008
NHS Bursaries are paid in monthly instalments. New students will normally get their first bursary instalment within 10 working days of starting training and subsequent payments on the third Friday in each month..
15 September 2008
The National Prescribing Centre (NPC) has published a second edition of "Dispensing with Repeats. A practical guide to Repeat Dispensing."..
01 September 2008
The following products have been deleted from Part IXA of the Drug Tariff for August 08, however..
01 September 2008
The NHSBSA Annual Review 2007/2008 is now available
26 August 2008
The Department of Health and PSNC have agreed compensation arrangements for any error due to NHSBSA PPD system failure and as a concession for contractors who may not have been aware of flaws in their own business processes for checking declarations..
22 August 2008
The latest edition of the Prescribing Review (Apr - Jun 2008 Drugs Used for Osteoporosis) is now available on the Index of PPD Publications page
11 August 2008
As part of our programme to bring in our new processing system we are consolidating all of our processing sites into three regional ones based in the North East (Newcastle), North West (Middlebrook) and Yorkshire (Wakefield)..
06 August 2008
A NEW video guide has been launched online to help pharmacists find out more about the new processing technology being used to pay them correctly.
22 July 2008
One additional item Neupro transdermal patches treatment initiation pack, is to be processed as Discount Not Deducted from 1st August. This will not appear in the printed list until the September Drug Tariff.
18 July 2008
12 additional items are to be processed as Discount Not Deducted from 1st August. These will not appear in the printed list until the September Drug Tariff.
08 July 2008
As a result of the introduction of new prescription pricing technology in early 2007 by the Prescription Pricing Division, the Capacity Improvement Programme (CIP) there has been a substantial increase in “switching” of prescriptions..
01 July 2008
Some branded drugs are available from more than one manufacturer, but are still licensed under the same name.
20 June 2008
These offices are now closed as of today 20 June.
27 May 2008
The latest edition of the Prescribing Review (Prescribing of drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system) is now available on the Index of PPD Publications page.
22 May 2008
As part of our programme to bring in our new processing system we are consolidating our existing nine processing sites into three regional sites based in the North East (Newcastle), North West (Horwich) and Yorkshire (Wakefield).
19 March 2008
From 1st April 2008, following a change to the National Health Service (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) Amendment (No.3) Regulations 2007 (for England only).
07 March 2008
The information you send us on this form will be used to assess the impact of changes in PPD processes in checking exemption declarations on the number of forms that are switched and will inform negotiations between the PSNC and the Department of Health..
21 February 2008
The latest edition of the Prescribing Review (Oct - Dec 2007 Drugs Used in Mental Health) is now available on the Index of PPD Publications page.
30 November 2007
Pharmaceutical companies to provide product information electronically for prescription from NHS systems
19 November 2007
The latest edition of the Prescribing Review (Jul - Sep 2007 Drugs used in Asthma and COPD) is now available on the Index of PPD Publications page.
19 October 2007
Dispensing contractors are now required to submit original Private Controlled Drug Prescription for schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs.
13 September 2007
Medical Students who are eligible for NHS Bursary support in 2008/09 and who choose to undertake an intercalation year at either the same or a different university should be aware that the maximum tuition fee contribution that can be met..
21 August 2007
Following the Department of Health (DH) and NHS Connecting for Health (NHS CFH) invitation for Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to express an interest in becoming initial implementers for Release 2 of the Electronic Prescription Service, over one third..
24 January 2007
This guidance provides further clarification on dispensing endorsements for FP10MDA forms.
01 April 2006
The NHS Business Services Authority was formally established as the responsible body for the services and activities described in this website on 1 April 2006.
31 March 2006
This message is to advise Students as Data Subjects that the NHS Pensions Agency ceases to exist from close of play on the on the 31st March 2006 and is now a division of a new organisation, the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). However..