Tricia Morrison, Senior Responsible Officer for Project Athena, brings extensive experience, having led major transformation programmes in local authorities and cost improvement programmes in the NHS prior to joining the NHSCFA. Throughout her career, she has been committed to evidence-based decision-making, with data and intelligence serving as the cornerstone in developing strategies and driving improvement in operational and corporate functions. Here, she provides her perspective on the value of Project Athena for the NHS and wider health group.
Tricia said: "The NHSCFA has been using data to counter fraud for several years, thanks to the expertise of our data analysts. However, we’ve long recognised the importance of large-scale data analytics in detecting and preventing fraud within the NHS. Project Athena is an opportunity to build on our strong foundation and enhance our analytical counter fraud capabilities.
“The NHS holds a huge amount of data. One of the benchmarks for Project Athena’s success is securing access to data pipelines across the NHS. Project Athena will use advanced analytical techniques underpinned by data science including machine learning, together with the integration of technology to help identify known frauds at scale and uncover those that have yet to be reported or observed.
"A key critical area of focus has been recruiting specialised talent, such as data scientists, to work with the data using a range of techniques utilised in fraud detection. The positive response from candidates eager to join the NHSCFA underscores the value of our work and their desire to contribute.
"Collaboration is key to the success of Project Athena. From the outset we've engaged with stakeholders to gauge support, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response. We’ve built support across the NHS, working closely with data owners to secure agreements for accessing data in a transparent and ethical manner. As we refine our methods and achieve results, we’ll take the appropriate counter fraud action, using the additional benefits of intelligence and insights to inform wider strategic action plans.
"Leading this initiative are key team members who play crucial roles in our success. Jayson Gall, Head of Enabling Services, manages the support aspects of the programme, while George Cooke, Head of Advanced Data Analytics, drives the operational data analytics, machine learning and counter fraud response efforts.
"Project Athena is a huge step forward by the NHSCFA in leading a highly proactive counter fraud agenda and ensuring that money meant for patient care is spent on patient care. This has to be a good thing."