Lee Sutherland, 34, of Pontypridd, Cardiff, cost the NHS GB pound 46,768.09 in fraudulent earnings and National Insurance, pension and training costs. His successful application to work for Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) NHS Trust contained false claims about his qualifications, professional grade and work experience.
As a result he earned GB pound 36,440.42 as an ECP between 4 June 2007 and 30 September 2008.
Sutherland, who appeared before the Jury at Swindon Crown Court only yesterday, 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 GB pound 1,000. He was also ordered to pay GB pound 800 towards costs.
‘First responder’ on scene
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. At the time he applied for the post, Sutherland 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.
Speaking about the case, which follows an investigation supported by the NHS Counter Fraud Service (NHS CFS), 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.”
Lloyd added: “It’s 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 its 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.”
Tackling fraud and corruption
The 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.
Around 319 professionally-trained and accredited Local Counter Fraud Specialists are in place covering every health body in England and Wales.
The NHS Counter Fraud Service has a network of teams who deal with complex, high value and cross boundary NHS frauds. In 2007-2008, the NHS CFS saved the NHS something in the region of GB pound 7,565,014.
That same year, the NHS CFS also successfully prosecuted 57 criminal cases with a 96% success rate.
To report any incident of suspected fraud in the NHS, please call the Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line on 0800 028 40 60
