Leanne Underhill, 46, received her sentence at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Monday 16 February 2026. She was ordered to pay her full salary overpayment and the full investigation costs.
She had previously pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation at Poole Magistrates’ Court on 4 December 2025.
She will make her repayments in monthly instalments of £150, starting from 1 March 2026.
Underhill had been employed as a senior HR manager by University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust.
Between 1 May 2024 and 8 June 2024, she lied that her mother had died and took compassionate leave. During this same period, she presented fit notes, despite being fit to work She also undertook additional employment for part of this period.
Pete Papworth, Chief Finance Officer at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“The NHS is under huge financial pressure, and our Trust works closely with TIAA, our counter fraud specialist, to investigate any suspected fraud.
“We are pleased that this case of false representation has been resolved with money being paid back to us, as this will go towards supporting patient care.
“We are grateful to TIAA for their support in this complex case.”
You can report NHS fraud anonymously on 0800 028 40 60, our 24-hour reporting line powered by Crimestoppers. You can also report it confidentially on our website at www.cfa.nhs.uk/reportfraud.