Royal Perth Hospital clerical worker quits over alleged contract corruption which gained her $100,000

UPDATED: A Royal Perth Hospital employee allegedly used a false identity to win a contract at a Perth hospital. As reported first by The West Australian the female clerical worker is alleged to have used confidential information to win herself a contract to supply goods at a Perth hospital. Detectives will allege the woman set up a private business and used a false identity when communicating with the East Metropolitan Health Service in relation to the supply of goods at the hospital. Police will allege at no time did the woman identify herself as being involved with the private business or declare a conflict of interest with her employer. Between 2016-2019 the woman’s private business secured 203 orders for goods valued at $123,759. All the goods were legitimately required by the East Metropolitan Health Service – which runs various Perth hospitals - and all the ordered items were delivered. Last Thursday detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad executed a search warrant at the woman’s Golden Bay home. The 68-year-old woman, who has resigned, is due in court next month on a charge of public officer unlawfully acts on knowledge obtained by their office. In a statement issued to The West Australian on Tuesday the East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS) confirmed it referred the matter to police. “As soon as our staff reported this alleged issue, EMHS took immediate action but is otherwise unable to comment on matters that are the subject of prosecution,” the statement said. “We do not tolerate unethical behaviour and act upon any suspicions of misconduct immediately. “EMHS takes a strong stance against unacceptable behaviour which does not align with our code of conduct and organisational values, which is reinforced by leadership at all levels of the organisation.” The statement added the EMHS had put in place a number of measures to enhance a “culture of zero tolerance to misconduct and unethical behaviour.” This included the carrying out of several audits and the establishment of a dedicated, confidential integrity hotline, where staff, patients and members of the community can report suspicious behaviour. Detective Senior Sergeant Ken Foster said it will be alleged the woman put in place a “well-planned structure and processes” to conceal her involvement from her employer. “These offences represent a breach of public trust and an abuse of a public position for personal financial gain,” he said. “The alleged offences are not just about the conflict of interest of a public officer, but the unlawful use of confidential information and the impact such conduct has on other, legitimate, businesses who are competing for government contracts and who ultimately miss out on work they may have otherwise secured.”