Claims that staff enjoyed luxury days out, a car and £60,000 house extension
A FRAUD team probing NHS contracts awarded to a Scots telecoms firm are investigating alleged big money kickbacks.
They are focusing on perks allegedly given to NHS managers, including luxury days out, a car and even a house extension.
It is understood NHS Counter Fraud Services (CFS) are also probing what happened to £120,000 left in one board’s budgets when a contract came to a close.
A source close to the investigation into Ayrshire firm Oricom’s dealings with three health boards said yesterday a report is expected to be sent to prosecutors this spring.
The source added: “There were golf weekends, trips away, spa days.
“One of the things being investigated is a £60,000 extension on a house. The investigators have been interviewing builders. Another was bought a car worth around £16,000.”
We revealed in December 2015 how police and NHS investigators raided the Irvine offices of Oricom, who won NHS contracts thought to be worth about £7million.
Oricom’s relationship with health board IT bosses is believed to have emerged after the team got a warrant to seize directors’ phones and computers.
It’s understood some staff linked to the probe at NHS Lothian, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Ayrshire and Arran have left their roles since the allegations came to light.
The firm started winning lucrative contracts with the NHS just two years after they started up in 2008.
They won three contracts with NHS Ayrshire and Arran and two contracts for NHS Lanarkshire.
NHS Lothian declined to detail their contracts with Oricom because of the ongoing investigation.
Our source added: “The whole thing unravelled because of two missing mobile handsets.
“There will be outrage because departments closed within hospitals that could have really done with this money.”
CFS declined to comment last night, as did all three health boards. The Crown Office said they are yet to receive a report.
An Oricom spokesman said: “Oricom directors and staff have co-operated fully to assist with inquiries by NHS Counter Fraud Services and will continue to do so as and when required.
“Oricom has acted professionally and legally in all its dealings with health boards. Last year, the company received an award in recognition of work which saved NHS Scotland hundreds of thousands of pounds.
“It is Oricom’s belief this inquiry will conclude there has been no wrongdoing on the company’s part but nonetheless the procedure has been unsettling and reputationally damaging to a successful business.
“Oricom assures clients it will continue to provide a first-class service which adheres to the highest standards.”