The Counter Fraud and Security Management Division protects the staff, assets and resources of the National Health Service in England and Wales.
The NHS Counter Fraud Service was set up in 1998 as part of the Department of Health under the leadership of Jim Gee.
The next step was to set up an operational department to investigate cases of fraud and help the police and Crown Prosecution Service bring them to justice.
As part of a new Special Health Authority the NHS SMS has begun to introduce the first ever national strategy for security in the NHS, which involves measures to protect staff in England against violence and abuse, prevent theft and damage to equipment and property, ensure the security of drugs and medicines and protect maternity and paediatric units.
This includes assisting with the Safer Hospitals Programme to develop environments which can help to reduce violence, and trialling a device for lone workers which will enable them to discreetly call for help to a response centre if in danger and give details as to their location, as well as recording evidence that can be used to prosecute offenders.