NHS Executive Fabricated Mother's Death to Secure Paid Leave for Second Job
An NHS executive has been sentenced after admitting she lied about her mother's death to take paid compassionate leave, while simultaneously earning £550 per day in a second job located 170 miles away. The case, heard at Poole Magistrates' Court, exposed a serious breach of trust within the healthcare system.
Deceptive Leave and Dual Employment
Leanne Underhill, 46, was employed as an interim HR manager at University Hospitals Dorset, where she received an annual salary of £80,000. In May 2024, she informed her NHS employers that her mother had passed away, subsequently taking compassionate leave and arranging a funeral for May 23. However, during this period, Underhill had secretly secured another HR position at Birmingham City Council, commencing work there while still on paid leave from the NHS trust.
The fraud was uncovered when the external recruitment firm Morgan Law contacted University Hospitals Dorset at the end of May, requesting a reference for Underhill's new role in Birmingham. This inquiry immediately raised suspicions, prompting the NHS's Counter Fraud team to launch a formal investigation.
Investigation and Admissions
Underhill was interviewed by investigators in July 2024, where she admitted to starting the job at Birmingham City Council. She initially claimed that issues with her line manager at the NHS trust prevented her from returning to work. However, she abruptly ended the voluntary interview when questioned about her mother and the bereavement leave she had taken.
It was not until a second interview in November 2024 that Underhill fully confessed to fabricating her mother's death. She attributed her actions to acute mental health problems stemming from drink and drug issues, expressing deep remorse for her conduct.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Prosecutor Robert Salame detailed the case, noting that Underhill had handed in her notice at University Hospitals Dorset on May 8, but began her £550-a-day role at Birmingham City Council shortly thereafter. "The defendant was found out by a reference request after she started the new full-time role at the council," Salame stated. "While the value of the fraud is not excessive, with the position the defendant was in as a senior HR executive, it is a clear breach of trust."
The court heard that Underhill dishonestly accrued £2,258 in wages through the scheme, with the NHS investigation costing an additional £4,940. Representing herself, Underhill sobbed in the dock as she explained her financial struggles, stating she was "deeply ashamed" of her actions. "I have learnt a very hard lesson," she said. "It has been to the detriment of my professional career."
Deputy Judge Roderick Hine ordered Underhill to pay compensation, noting she had "got yourself in a bit of a mess and compounded it by not taking the option to pay it back." Having previously repaid £250, she was instructed to pay the remaining £6,948 owed.
NHS Response and Financial Implications
Pete Papwoth, chief finance officer at University Hospitals Dorset, emphasised the importance of counter-fraud measures in the financially strained NHS. "The NHS is under huge financial pressure, and our Trust works closely with TIAA, our counter fraud specialist, to investigate any suspected fraud," he said. "We are pleased that this case of false representation has been resolved with money being paid back to us, as this will go towards supporting patient care."
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by public sector organisations in preventing internal fraud, particularly when senior employees abuse positions of trust for personal gain.
