Pharmacist Suspended for Attending Work in an Unfit State and Drink Driving Conviction

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Fitness to Practise Committee reviewed a case concerning serious breaches of professional standards by a pharmacist, referred to here as “the registrant.” The allegations included a drink driving conviction and attending work in an unfit state while acting as the responsible pharmacist. This case highlights the importance of professionalism, workplace safety, and personal responsibility.

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Key Allegations and Findings

1. Drink Driving Conviction (1 August 2021)
   • The registrant was convicted on 28 September 2021 for driving while significantly over the legal alcohol limit.
   • Recorded 99 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath (the legal limit is 35).
   • Disqualified from driving for 24 months and fined £500.
   • The registrant self-reported the conviction to the GPhC.
2. Attending Work While in an Unfit State (28 March 2023)
   • The registrant attended Boots Pharmacy, Bo’Ness, for a locum shift but was observed by staff to be unsteady on his feet, mumbling, and incoherent.
   • Staff members described him as acting strangely, needing to hold onto counters for balance, and struggling to sign the Responsible Pharmacist Log.
   • A noticeable smell of alcohol was reported by colleagues.
   • The pharmacy staff closed the pharmacy and refused to dispense medications due to safety concerns.
   • The registrant was sent home in a taxi by the pharmacy manager.
3. Impact on Workplace and Public Safety
   • Pharmacy assistants expressed concerns about being left alone with the registrant due to his behavior.
   • The pharmacy had to remain closed for at least an hour, potentially disrupting patient access to medications.
   • Customers were asked to leave while staff ensured the registrant did not interact with the public in his condition.

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Fitness to Practise Findings

The Committee determined that the registrant’s actions:

• Posed a Risk to Patient Safety: Attending work in an impaired state put both staff and patients at risk.
• Breached Fundamental Professional Standards: The registrant failed to demonstrate responsible leadership.
• Brought the Profession into Disrepute: Public trust in pharmacy professionals relies on high standards of conduct both inside and outside of work.

While the registrant expressed remorse and took steps toward rehabilitation, the Committee found that he had not yet fully addressed the risks associated with his behavior.

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Outcome and Sanctions

The GPhC issued a 6-month suspension with a review before reinstatement. The Committee noted that:

• The registrant needed to demonstrate further remediation, including professional development and insight into his actions.
• A review before reinstatement would allow assessment of whether he was fit to resume practice.
• The registrant could work in an unregulated role (e.g., as a dispenser) but could not act as a pharmacist during the suspension.

An interim suspension order was also imposed to protect public safety during the appeal period.

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Key Learning Points for Pharmacy Professionals

1. Alcohol and Professionalism:
   • Consuming alcohol before work, especially in patient-facing roles, is a serious professional breach.
   • Attending work in an impaired state can have serious regulatory consequences.
2. Workplace Leadership:
   • As the responsible pharmacist, leading by example is essential.
   • Impaired judgment can put patients and staff in difficult situations.
3. Public Trust and Legal Compliance:
   • Convictions, even outside work, can affect professional standing.
   • Honesty and proactive steps following a conviction can mitigate damage but do not excuse misconduct.
4. Regulatory Consequences:
   • The GPhC takes workplace impairment very seriously.
   • A suspension may be imposed to allow for remediation before full return to practice.