Warning - Security Issue

Our District Nursing Sister Bev Cunningham has brought to our attention the fact that there is a likely scam doing the rounds at the present time regarding appliances.

A patient was rung at home by a man who quoted their name and appeared to know about the patient’s illnesses in vague terms such as arthritis and nervous upset. The caller then arranged an appointment for the following day. Fortunately a relative of the patient was present at that appointment because the caller turned up with a mattress to sell to the patient to relieve the arthritis. The caller was asked to leave and information has been given to the local Counter-Fraud Service. The caller said he was from an organisation called ‘Healthy Care’ of which we have not heard. The Counter-Fraud Service say there was also an organisation saying they were called ‘Mobility Care’ in Barnsley doing the same thing.

We would normally expect a patient to know if they are to receive any appliances such as mattresses, special chairs, frames etc as either the district nursing service, social services or the doctors would have organised this. We would also like you to know that patients do not have to pay for those appliances so anybody offering items which cost money, should be regarded as suspicious.

As always people who are housebound or vulnerable need to be wary of callers and should always ask for identity.

DR. K. B. SYKES
21.08.08