Pharmacist Suspended for Dishonesty in Dual Employment Case

In a recent case before the General Pharmaceutical Council’s Fitness to Practise Committee, a pharmacist was found guilty of misconduct due to dishonest actions involving dual employment. The pharmacist, employed by NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (Arden & GEM CSU) as a Medicines Optimisation Pharmacist, reported in sick to this employer while simultaneously working shifts at Peterborough City Hospital (PCH). This misconduct occurred over a period from April 6 to April 30, 2021, during which the pharmacist worked for both employers on multiple occasions, breaching the trust of her primary employer by misrepresenting her employment status.

The Committee found that the pharmacist’s actions were dishonest and lacked integrity, breaching several GPhC standards. The pharmacist admitted to the allegations and expressed remorse, citing personal stress and a lack of judgment as contributing factors. Despite this, the Committee determined that her fitness to practise was impaired, emphasizing the need to uphold professional standards and public confidence in the pharmacy profession.

As a result, the pharmacist was suspended for six months, with a review hearing scheduled to assess her progress in addressing the issues identified. The Committee highlighted the importance of honesty and integrity in pharmacy practice and noted that the pharmacist’s actions had the potential to harm public trust and patient safety.

This case serves as a reminder to pharmacy professionals of the critical importance of maintaining honesty and integrity in all professional dealings. It underscores the need for pharmacists to reflect on their actions and ensure they adhere to the standards expected by the GPhC, particularly in situations involving potential conflicts of interest or dual employment.