Detectives uncover NHS claim fraud worth millions

The NHS has used private detectives to thwart dozens of compensation claims that would have cost the service millions of pounds.

They say more than 70% of claims they have dealt with over the past five years have been exaggerated and have uncovered the true picture on a number of occasions after their legal team hired a private investigator.

One man is now facing contempt of court proceedings and a possible jail term after claiming £647,000. He was treated after punching a wall and claimed a delay in diagnosis led to him being unable to cut food or hold a large cooking pan. But he was seen by a private investigator riding a quad-bike at speed and taking on an adventure course at a Go Ape Outdoor Activity centre.

NHS Resolution, the body that handles compensation claims, also cites in its Annual Report the case of a woman who claimed £5.7 million for a delay in diagnosing a lower back problem which she said left her with severe mobility issues. Surveillance was carried out on the day she was due for a medical examination where she entered the building using sticks, but later managed to spend 45 minutes walking around a supermarket unaided. She is now being asked to pay back a £70,000 advance given to her by the NHS.

NHS Resolution chief Helen Vernon, told The Mirror: “Our role is to ensure legitimate negligence claims are settled quickly and fairly. But fraud is an ever-present risk and we need to be vigilant.”

Conflict International has a great track record in uncovering the truth in situations where there is a suspicion of doubt. We have many years of experience working with companies to protect them from fraud with experienced surveillance professionals available at short notice, alongside our industry-leading desktop research. Find out more about our surveillance services here.

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