蝌蚪窝视频 experts join national project to combat NHS fraud
Two leading criminologists from The University of 蝌蚪窝视频 are playing a key role in a groundbreaking national research project designed to tackle fraud in the NHS, which costs the UK taxpayer an estimated 拢1.3 billion each year.
The initiative, known as Project SCAN (Strengthening Counter-Fraud Across the NHS in England), is led by Northumbria University and brings together experts from across the UK to improve understanding and responses to fraud within the health service.
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the 32-month study will generate robust evidence on the nature and organisation of counter-fraud strategies in the NHS in England, and how these strategies can be strengthened.
It will explore multiple dimensions of fraud risk in the NHS, from procurement and payroll to patient identity and prescription fraud. It will also look at how data and technology can support prevention efforts and how public sector institutions can be better equipped to respond to emerging threats.
The project will involve collaboration with NHS bodies, frontline counter-fraud professionals and other academic partners across the UK. Results will be disseminated through public reports, practitioner briefings, academic publications, and policy engagement events.
By generating evidence-based recommendations, Project SCAN aims to inform national policy and practice, ultimately helping to safeguard public money and ensure NHS services remain sustainable and fair for all.
蝌蚪窝视频鈥檚 Professor Nicholas Lord and Dr Katie Benson, both from the University鈥檚 Department of Criminology, have previously led and contributed to high-profile studies into economic and white-collar crime, working with varied public and private organisations. In Project SCAN they will focus on the practical delivery of local counter fraud provision across NHS organisations.
Fraud in the NHS not only drains vital resources, but also undermines public trust and the quality of care. We will examine the everyday realities of local counter fraud provision, looking at how services are delivered, where gaps or opportunities exist, and how expertise and resources are deployed. By understanding these frontline practices, we aim to help strengthen the counter-fraud response and counter-fraud system that protects both NHS budgets and patient care.
鈥淯nderstanding how counter fraud work is carried out is important for improving its effectiveness," added Dr Benson. 鈥漁ur research will better understand the experiences of those delivering these services, identifying what challenges they face and what support they need. This insight is vital for shaping a more strategic and joined-up approach to tackling fraud across the NHS."