Trainee NHS Doctor Moonlights, Claims Sick Pay, Keeps Job

A trainee doctor in the NHS managed to claim nearly £10,000 in sick pay while simultaneously working at two hospitals located up to 160 miles apart. Dr Tracy Landu-Landu, aged 30, received the statutory NHS payment while working 38 locum shifts totalling 350 hours in Lincolnshire. This occurred during a period when St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in Merseyside employed her.

Investigation Into Sick Pay Claims

When concerns arose about the doctor’s sick pay claims, an investigation took place, lasting up to four months. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in Manchester found her guilty of serious professional misconduct due to dishonesty in claiming sick pay while working. She had lied to officials about her situation and claimed that she faced personal difficulties at the time of the scam.

Doctor Suspended and Ordered to Repay

Dr Landu-Landu was suspended for nine months, and she vowed to repay the money within 18 months. She expressed remorse for her actions, acknowledging that they were wrong, and said that she did not believe there was a risk of her repeating her actions. The doctor had repaid close to £3,000 at the time of the tribunal, but she provided no evidence of repayment.

Personal Difficulties and Future Outlook

Despite the severity of her misconduct, the tribunal recognised Dr Landu-Landu’s distressing personal circumstances at the time, which might have influenced her behaviour. These circumstances included experiencing considerable stress due to recent life events. As a result, they believed that suspension was an appropriate and proportionate response in this case. Following the period of suspension, Dr Landu-Landu is expected to return to her work in the NHS.