'Sickie' NHS Nurse Jailed For £32K Fraud

An NHS Neurology nurse, who pocketed £32,000 in sick pay while moonlighting via two recruiting agencies, has been jailed for 16 months.

Vivian Coker, 53, of Samuel Lewis Trust Estate, Warner Road, Camberwell claimed to her bosses she was unfit to work for nearly two years.

She was employed at Tooting's St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, but took sick leave between August 2014 and May 2016.

Coker was convicted of two counts of fraud by false representation at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

Afterwards, Richard Hampton the Head of Intelligence and Fraud Prevention said: “The nursing community is a vital ally in the fight against NHS fraud.

“If you spot something that doesn't seem quite right and could be a fraud, please do report it to our reporting line.

“We believe working whilst sick fraud is still under-reported and it is in all our interests that the perpetrators are identified and prosecuted.

“We recognise that the vast majority of NHS nurses are honest, dedicated and hardworking.”