A MAJOR probe into allegations of fraud is underway at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

The investigation centres on wages paid to stand-in nurses who cover for absent staff for Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust.

The estimated 400 members of staff have been told their pay will be delayed until changes are made to the way payments are authorised.

Hospital bosses are refusing to comment on how much cash is involved but it is believe to run into thousands.

The staff - known as "bank staff" - are called on to cover for sickness, holidays and general vacancies

The nurses are employed by nurse managers in each of the hospital's speciality areas and form an integral part of the day to day running of the hospital.

Staff employed by the Trust via the "bank" were told on Tuesday about the investigation and warned that until changes had been made to the present payment system there would be "inevitable" delays.

One staff member who contacted the BEN, said: "This situation has created severe financial difficulties for many of us. We understand there's a lot of money involved here but aren't being told much else." A spokeswoman for Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust said: "Following a case of alleged fraud theTrust has reviewed the way in which staff on the nursing bank are paid and introduced stricter checks on authorisation.

"This means that bank staff are now paid later than previously.

"Staff representatives were informed of this and staff were also informed by their nurse managers.

"Special arrangements have been put in place this week for staff who have expressed particular difficulties."

The BEN understands the police have been informed about the case and are investigating the allegations.

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