Pharmacist’s Fitness to Practise Impaired Due to Misconduct and Conviction

In a recent determination by the General Pharmaceutical Council’s Fitness to Practise Committee, a pharmacist faced allegations of misconduct and conviction related to the possession of a Class B drug, Cannabis. The pharmacist, who was not present or represented at the hearing, had previously been suspended following a Principal Hearing in 2019. The current case arose after Northumbria Police informed the Council of the pharmacist’s arrest for possession of Cannabis in March 2020. The Council presented evidence including a memorandum of conviction and witness statements indicating the pharmacist’s failure to notify the Council of the conviction as required.

The Committee found all allegations proved, noting that the pharmacist’s fitness to practise was impaired. The Committee emphasized the risk to patient safety should the pharmacist relapse into drug use while practising. Despite previous insight shown by the pharmacist into the impact of Cannabis use on professional conduct, the Committee found little evidence of remedial steps taken since the arrest.

The determination highlighted the importance of maintaining public confidence in the profession and upholding professional standards. The Committee decided on a 12-month suspension with a review, considering it a proportionate response to protect the public and maintain confidence in the profession. The Committee noted that removal from the register was not warranted at this stage but warned that continued non-engagement could lead to such a sanction in the future.

Pharmacy professionals can learn from this case the critical importance of engaging with regulatory processes, demonstrating insight and remediation following misconduct, and maintaining transparency with the Council regarding any convictions or cautions. The case underscores the necessity of adhering to professional standards to safeguard public trust and safety.