Hunt was intent on obtaining a powerful painkilling drug but his deception was discovered in the wake of an investigation supported by the National Health Services’ Counter Fraud division.
Sentencing took place at Swansea Crown Court last Thursday. Earlier, Hunt had pleaded guilty to 11 charges of using a false instrument and five charges of possession with intent to supply dihydrocodeine (a Class B drug) contrary to Section 4(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. All charges levelled against Hunt’s wife Myfanwy were withdrawn.
Background of the case
Hunt worked as a practice manager at Derwendeg Medical Centre in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire. Judge Gerald Price QC expressed concern that Hunt had been “reckless” with his wife’s well-being when he obtained the drugs for her use.
The Judge explained that this, in addition to the abuse of a position of trust and the misuse of a Class B drug, was reflective of the sentence passed.
Hunt used both his wife’s and her father’s names to obtain the drugs from Derwendeg Medical Centre. He duped the GP into signing the forged documents before presenting them to local pharmacies. The offences took place over a 12-month period. The drugs involved were worth hundreds of pounds.
NHS Counter Fraud verdict
Speaking about the decision, Graham Dainty – the operational fraud manager for Wales at NHS Counter Fraud – explained: “We’re delighted with the outcome of this investigation, which was conducted with our fullest support by the Local Counter Fraud Specialist (LCFS) for Mid-Wales and West Wales. The verdict sends a strong signal to anybody who thinks they can misuse NHS drugs and get away with it.”
Dainty added: “Judge Price’s decision also demonstrates that the network of LCFSs in Wales, working closely with NHS Counter Fraud at the national level, is effective in being able to stamp out fraud. We’re very pleased that Camarthenshire Local Health Board contacted its LCFS with the original concerns. If they suspect fraud, we’d strongly urge other health bodies to do the same.”
Tackling fraud and corruption
NHS Counter Fraud – a division of the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) – was established to tackle fraud and corruption throughout the NHS and the Department of Health, whether that fraud involves professionals, staff, patients or contractors.
Ultimately, the key aim is to create a lasting anti-fraud culture.
Around 319 professionally-trained and accredited Local Counter Fraud Specialists are now in place, covering every health body in England and Wales. They’re supported nationally and regionally by NHS Counter Fraud.
During 2007-2008, NHS Counter Fraud investigations produced potential savings to the National Health Service of no less than GB pound 7,565,014. In that same timeframe, the organisation successfully prosecuted 57 criminal cases with a 96% success rate.
Reporting on suspected fraud
To report any incident of suspected fraud in the NHS, please call the Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line on 0800 028 40 60.