Manager Swindles £200,000 From NHS Surgery Fund
Leigh Nash, a manager at Rainworth Medical Practice, has been slammed for stealing nearly £200,000 from a surgery bank account. The 45-year-old, who had sole access to the funds, abused his position to funnel cash into his own pockets.
Locum Costs Spark Suspicion
Nash was responsible for managing the practice’s money and hiring temporary doctors. When reviewing spending, officials noticed an eye-watering jump in payments labelled as ‘locum’ fees. Cross-checks revealed the actual locum costs were just £28,000—far less than Nash’s claims.
Police Crack Down After Internal Probe
An internal HR investigation led to an interview where Nash admitted transferring cash to his personal account. Police were called in, and in December 2020, Nash was arrested. The total amount he siphoned off? A staggering £200,000.
Jail Sentence for Fraud
On 20 July 2021, Nash appeared at Nottingham Crown Court and was handed 2 years and 8 months behind bars after pleading guilty to fraud by abuse of position. Detective Constable Natalie Stokes said:
“This was an appalling abuse of the trust and responsibility which was placed on Nash as part of his role. He blatantly used his access and power as a manager to benefit himself and left the practice short of money which should have been used to fund important medical care.”
“We hope this sentence deters others and gives victims the confidence to report fraud.”
NHS Reassures Patients
The NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG confirmed support for Rainworth Medical Practice staff throughout the scandal. A spokesperson said:
“Despite this incident, staff have continued to provide the same high-quality care to patients and will do so following the case closure.”
