October is Fraud Awareness Month in the NHS, supported by South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust and South Tyneside Primary Care Trust (PCT).

Bosses are reinforcing their anti-fraud culture by educating employees and patients about its damaging effects – and some simple ways to stop it.

Types of fraud and offenders vary, from patients avoiding prescription charges by falsely claiming exemptions, staff gaining employment with false documentation or claiming pay for shifts they did not work, and contractors exaggerating or falsifying records of NHS work.

Chris Macklin, director of finance for NHS South of Tyne and Wear, said: "Fraud against the NHS is not a victimless crime because these valuable funds are meant for patient care.

"We want to send a clear message that fraud will not be tolerated in our organisation and we will support the prosecution of offenders."

Every health body in England and Wales has an accredited Local Counter Fraud Specialist (LCFS) – there are about 319 in all, responsible for overseeing fraud-proofing measures, looking for anything suspicious, raising awareness of the issues and investigating allegations of fraud.

They are supported regionally and nationally by the NHS Counter Fraud Service, which deals with high-value or complex frauds.

NHS Counter Fraud Service investigations produced potential savings to the NHS of more than £7.5m in 2007/08.

Since the first Fraud Awareness Month in 2003, many highly successful events have been organised to raise awareness and educate NHS staff and patients.

A fraud awareness stall was set up at South Tyneside District Hospital yesterday and publicity material will be distributed.

LCFS Val Peacock said: "The work of LCFSs and the NHS Counter Fraud Service has already recovered tens of millions of pounds and led to many fraudsters being prosecuted.

"However, we also need every honest person who works in and uses the NHS to help by recognising and reporting any fraud that does occur so we can ensure that the public funds of the NHS are spent on patient care."

To report any incident of suspected fraud in the NHS, contact the LCFS on 569 9665 or call the NHS Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line on (0800) 028 40 60.