Dean Armitage, 33, from Bradford, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to defrauding Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) NHS Foundation Trust.

An investigation by the trust's local counter fraud specialist and the NHS Counter Fraud Authority found Armitage had fraudulently created, assigned and authorised himself additional shifts between April 2020 and October 2021.

Kevin Howells, anti-fraud manager for GMMH, said: ‘We welcome the outcome and sentencing in this case, given the very serious nature of fraud involved and the impact on NHS funds.

‘In addition to being permanently barred from working bank shifts for the trust again, Mr Dean Armitage has been reported to the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the independent regulator of nurses, midwives and nursing associates.

‘In light of this case, we have sought assurance from the agency from which Mr Armitage was hired, that it has taken immediate action to tighten its procedures to protect the NHS from fraud of this nature in the future. GMMH is committed to the elimination of any type of fraud and will always rigorously investigate anything of this nature.'

Ben Harrison, head of operations at the NHS Counter Fraud Authority, said: ‘We are pleased with the outcome of this investigation. I want to thank the trust, alongside both the LCFS and NHSCFA colleagues, for the action they took in this case.

‘Armitage clearly exploited his position of trust to divert NHS funding from much needed patient care.

‘This case highlights the importance and effectiveness of the local counter fraud efforts across the NHS in uncovering and taking action against individuals who commit this kind of fraud.'