The University of Manchester is partnering in a nationwide project to help the NHS tackle fraud, using expert research and collaboration to strengthen safeguards, protect resources, and support the delivery of vital healthcare services
The University of Manchester is working with partners nationwide on an ambitious new project to help safeguard NHS resources. Drawing on academic expertise and real-world insights, the initiative aims to address emerging risks and strengthen the systems that protect public funds, ensuring the health service can focus on delivering patient care.
NHS fraud is a billion-pound problem
Official estimates indicate the NHS is vulnerable to losing up to £1.3 billion annually to fraud*. Crimes include procurement fraud, patient fraud and employee fraud.
The Project SCAN (Strengthening Counter-Fraud Across the NHS in England), conducted by researchers from Northumbria, Cardiff and Manchester universities, will examine how counter-fraud measures are delivered within the NHS across England and analyse how they can be more effective. The collaborative effort has been awarded almost £900,000 of funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Cerian Griffiths of Northumbria Law School, who co-leads SCAN alongside Professor Tim Rapley, highlighted the urgency of tackling fraud in the health sector. “Every pound lost to fraud is a pound that could have been spent on patient care,” she said.
“By improving counter-fraud strategies, we aim to help the NHS protect its resources and strengthen public confidence in the system.”
Across NHS organisations, counter-fraud measures vary significantly, with a mix of internal NHS teams and external companies delivering responses. Dr Griffiths added: “This fragmented approach has led to inconsistencies, making it challenging to coordinate efforts effectively. Our research project aims to address this issue by mapping existing counter-fraud strategies across national, regional, and local NHS bodies.”
“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,” added Professor Nicholas Lord from the University of Manchester.
Shaping the future of the NHS
The researchers will work with policymakers, fraud experts, and NHS staff to analyse policies, training programmes, operational practices, and identify best practices where improvements can be made. The findings will be used to co-develop practical recommendations, training resources and tools to enhance fraud prevention.
The study will run until autumn 2027 and will be shared widely with policymakers, NHS leaders, and fraud prevention experts through reports, conferences, and media outreach. The ultimate goal is to create a more coordinated and effective counter-fraud system that helps safeguard the future of the NHS.
Alex Rothwell, CEO of the NHS Counter Fraud Authority, said: “We recognise the value of academic study, which brings information and specialists from diverse disciplines and organisations together. The counter fraud landscape is complicated, and fresh perspectives and transparency are welcomed.”
Lisa McAlister, Counter Fraud Manager at NHS Business Services Authority, states: “I welcome the efforts of the SCAN project to improve the national and local response to the threat of fraud against the NHS. This is a much-needed project at a time when NHS budgets are stretched more than ever. SCAN has great potential to bolster counter fraud efforts and save public money lost to fraud and error.”
Sean McNabb, Director of Cartels at the Competition and Markets Authority, also stated: “Tackling fraud in the NHS and other parts of the public sector has never been more important and this vital research should help ensure that those responsible for spending public funds are more alert to the risk of fraud and better equipped to combat it.”
