Nurse Swindled NHS Bosses By Claiming For 'Ghost' Shifts

A respected nurse, who swindled nearly £35,000 out of the NHS hospital that employed her by claiming for double the hours she actually worked, has received a suspended prison sentence.

Anne Griffin, 37, of Battersea Park Road, Battersea submitted duplicate time-sheets to the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during the three-year scam and must now repay all the money at the rate of £500 per month.

She pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to fraud by abuse of position between June 8, 2010 and February 19, last year while employed, via an agency, as a Staff Bank Nurse in relation to £34,478.

“There can be few sadder exercises than sentencing a person of good character, someone who went into a profession that seeks to care for people and over three years steal nearly thirty-five thousand pounds in money,” announced Judge Simon Davis.

“This was a breach of trust, a grave breach of trust, which you acknowledge,” the judge told the first-time offender. “This involved a degree of planning and multiple transactions.

“However, I do have a number of character references that set out how highly-regarded you are, particularly by the man you care for currently and who knows your circumstances.”

Her lawyer Mr. Jonathon Steingold told the court: “The defendant is fearful and under no illusion and apologises to the chief executive of Chelsea and Westminster.”

Griffin spent the money on regularly travelling to Ireland, where her father is battling cancer, and on other expenses concerning her family.

“This caused her to return to Ireland more frequently than usual and she was also giving money to her parents.

“The money went on making the lives of her family more comfortable and not on a lavish lifestyle.”