Former Trust nurse pleads guilty to fraud following internal probe

A former nurse and employee of The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and NHS Manchester has pleaded guilty of fraud following an internal investigation.

Ann-Marie McCoy, 34, from Norden, was charged with fraudulently acquiring payment of sick pay from both NHS Manchester (Primary Care Trust) between September and November 2010 and The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust between July and August 2011.

Employed as a registered nurse, Ms McCoy was based at Charlestown Road Health Centre in Blackley, North Manchester, and had transferred employment as part of a service transfer from NHS Manchester to the Pennine Acute Trust in April 2011.

An enquiry by Pennine Acute Trust’s counter fraud officer revealed that Ms McCoy had worked at a nursing agency during both periods of sick leave. She had been paid a total net amount of £5,698.44 in respect of sick pay by the NHS.

On Thursday 22 March 2012 Ms McCoy pleaded guilty to both counts at Bury Magistrates Court.

Sentencing included a Community Service Order for 12 months with 40 hours unpaid work, attendance at Probation Service course and £1,000 costs to be paid at £50 per month. She would also be reported to her professional body, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a result of her actions.

Ms McCoy no longer works for the Trust. Although Ms McCoy resigned from the Trust on 15 August 2011 prior to any disciplinary action, she had signed an agreement to repay the money paid to her in sick pay and continues with these payments.

Sue Smith, counter fraud officer at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“This Trust is absolutely committed to maintaining an honest, open and well intentioned atmosphere within the Trust. It is therefore also committed to the elimination of any fraud and to the rigorous investigation and punishment of any such cases. The vast majority of staff who work in the NHS are honest. But NHS staff who carry out fraud should be aware of the consequences of their actions.

“If anyone suspects fraud within the NHS, they should ring the NHS Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line on 0800 028 40 60 where they can report suspicions in complete confidence.”