Migrant pulls off brazen NHS fraud by posing as female nurse at same hospital as baby killer Lucy Letby – yet dodges jail!
Male Impostor Nurses at Notorious Chester Hospital
Lucius Njoku, 33, pulled a stunning double bluff by posing as “agency nurse” Joyce George at the Countess of Chester Hospital – the very place infamous baby killer Lucy Letby worked. Wearing a fake NHS badge, Njoku fooled staff for months on the A&E ward.
- From February to April, he dressed patients and took observations, all while pretending to be Joyce.
- The mask slipped after a patient confronted him, and Njoku confessed, “My name is Joyce but I am a man.”
This shocking admission exposed serious failings in NHS safeguarding systems meant to protect vulnerable patients.
Real Nurse Let Fraudster Work Her Shifts – Then Skips Country
In a jaw-dropping twist, the real Joyce George, a Nigerian nurse, handed over her identity and work shifts to Njoku. Police uncovered texts revealing their shift-swapping plot.
- Joyce fled the UK after fraud charges surfaced and is thought to have returned to Nigeria.
- A UK arrest warrant is out – but chances of her facing justice on British soil look slim.
Prosecutor Lisa McGuire said: “She permitted Njoku to do her shifts under her name. Fortunately, no harm was done, but the access is the serious concern.”
Hospital Security in Chaos as Fraudster Given Suspended Sentence
Njoku, who lives with his NHS worker wife in Ellesmere Port, admitted fraud by false representation. His lawyer slammed the hospital for failing to spot a man posing as a female nurse.
Despite the scam, Njoku escaped jail. Judge Jack McGarva handed him a 16-week prison term – suspended for 12 months. He must also pay costs and complete 80 hours unpaid work.
“You deceived your way into a job which requires safeguarding checks. That undermines the system. Although you were qualified and did the work without complaint, that is not the point.” – District Judge Jack McGarva
The case raises serious questions about security at the Countess of Chester Hospital, already under scrutiny after Letby’s shocking crimes. How did Njoku work months undetected while dressed as a woman?
Warning Bells for NHS Staffing and Security
This saga exposes massive holes in NHS vetting and safeguarding. While Njoku was qualified and competent, these cracks could let a dangerous imposter slip through next time. With the NHS relying heavily on agency staff, patient safety can’t be left to chance.
Three hospital managers are already being investigated for gross negligence manslaughter over the Letby scandal. Now Njoku’s fraud deals another blow to the hospital’s battered reputation – and raises urgent questions over NHS hiring safeguards.
