Accountant convicted of fraud after making false claims
Westfield Health has today welcomed an accountant’s conviction after he defrauded the Sheffield-based company out of over £8,000.
Andrew Gwyn Thomas, aged 30, of Parc Caradoc, Trewern, Welshpool, admitted making a series of false claims and falsifying GP referral forms, at Mold Crown Court on July 15.
Julie Gill, Westfield Health Executive Director – Operations, said: “We welcome the outcome of this case. Our policyholders can be reassured that we will take appropriate action when we discover any falsified claims activity and that we will work to recover the monies in these instances.
“By clamping down on this kind of fraudulent activity, Westfield is continually working to protect all of our policyholders and the premiums that they pay.”
Thomas escaped an immediate custodial sentence but was given a 28-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered by the judge to pay £8,188 in compensation to Westfield Health, £340 in costs and must also carry out 300 hours of unpaid work in the community.
Paulinus Barnes, prosecuting, told the court how the defendant had contributed to a Westfield Health plan since 2001.
The offences came to light after Westfield Health set up an investigation into Thomas’ claiming patterns, when it was found that Thomas’ doctor had not been referring him for the treatment being claimed and that the invoices were in fact false.
Westfield has a rigorous system in place and is highly vigilant in monitoring claiming patterns, to ensure that potentially fraudulent activity is detected in its early stages.
Brian Treadwell, defending Thomas said that his client was a man of good character who would take a loan to pay the debt off. The sum of £8,188 has now been repaid in full to Westfield Health.
Julie Gill explained: “We have many ways in which we can verify claims and under the Data Protection Act 1998, we will share details with other health insurance providers for the detection and prevention of fraudulent activity.
“We have worked closely with the local police in this case and appreciate all their efforts to help bring about a successful prosecution.
“We remain dedicated to our not-for-profit, mutual status, which ensures that we are ideally placed to return highly competitive benefits to policyholders and to provide outstanding customer service while treating all our customers fairly.”
© Westfield Health Insurance 2012
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