A nurse has been removed from the nursing register after being found guilty of fraudulently claiming almost £20,000 by adding shifts to her roster that she did not actually work. Faith Chareka, who served in the emergency department of Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust in Surrey, was convicted for abuse of her position. This case highlights serious ethical breaches within the healthcare sector, particularly during a time when the NHS is already under significant financial strain.
Details of the Fraudulent Activity
Between November 1, 2020, and February 1, 2023, Chareka fraudulently added a total of 50 shifts to her schedule. While some of these shifts were compensated at the basic rate, the majority were paid at an enhanced rate, typically reserved for night shifts, weekends, and bank holidays. In total, she received £19,575.41 and accrued 540 hours of time off in lieu for shifts she never worked.
During her sentencing, the judge condemned her actions as “repeated and premeditated dishonesty over a period of two years,” indicating the severity of her misconduct and its implications for the trust and its patients.
Consequences and Sentencing
Chareka pleaded guilty to the charges in 2024 and was subsequently sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended, along with a requirement to undertake 15 days of rehabilitation activities and 200 hours of unpaid work. Following an internal investigation, she was dismissed from the NHS trust in 2023.
Rosie Welsh, the case presenter for the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), noted that Chareka’s actions placed patients at risk by potentially understaffing the emergency department, leading to delays in care and increased pressure on her colleagues. Welsh stated, “Your conduct removed substantial funds from the trust during and beyond the Covid pandemic, which placed pressure on already challenged NHS resources.”
The Panel’s Decision
The NMC fitness to practise committee reviewed the case and ultimately decided that striking Chareka off the nursing register was the only appropriate sanction to uphold public confidence in the nursing profession. They acknowledged the potential impact of her actions on patient care and the operational integrity of the trust.
Chareka’s legal representative, Alexandra Monaghan, argued that she had shown genuine remorse and understanding of the gravity of her actions, having expressed sincere apologies and engaged in significant self-reflection. However, the panel maintained that her fraudulent behaviour warranted serious repercussions.
Given that the striking-off order cannot be enforced until after a 28-day appeal period, the panel instituted an interim suspension for 18 months to ensure that Chareka cannot practice during this time.
Why it Matters
This case serves as a critical reminder of the ethical responsibilities held by healthcare professionals, particularly in public services like the NHS, which are currently facing unprecedented challenges. The fallout from Chareka’s actions extends beyond financial loss; it jeopardises patient safety and undermines public trust in a vital institution. As the NHS continues to navigate financial difficulties exacerbated by the pandemic, accountability and integrity within its workforce must remain paramount to ensure that patients receive the quality care they deserve.
