Indefinite Suspension of Pharmacist for Record-Keeping Failures and Misadministration of Controlled Drugs

In a recent determination by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), a pharmacist was indefinitely suspended due to serious misconduct related to record-keeping and the management of Controlled Drugs (CDs). The case highlights significant breaches of professional standards, including the failure to maintain accurate and up-to-date pharmacy records, which posed a risk to patient safety and public confidence.

Allegations
The pharmacist faced multiple allegations, including the failure to produce essential pharmacy records during inspections, keeping records at home, and not maintaining them up-to-date. There were also significant errors and discrepancies in the CD registers, and a Schedule 2 Controlled Drug was found unsecured. These actions risked breaching patient confidentiality and undermined the integrity of the pharmacy profession.

Findings
The GPhC’s Fitness to Practise Committee found that the pharmacist’s actions amounted to misconduct. The pharmacist admitted to the allegations, which included repeated failures to produce records, discrepancies in CD registers, and the risk of breaching patient confidentiality by keeping records at home.

GPhC Determination on Impairment
The Committee determined that the pharmacist’s fitness to practise was impaired due to the misconduct. The pharmacist’s actions presented a risk to patients and the public, brought the profession into disrepute, and breached fundamental principles of pharmacy practice. Despite previous opportunities to remediate, the pharmacist failed to demonstrate sufficient insight or take corrective action.

Sanction
Given the seriousness of the misconduct and the lack of remediation, the Committee imposed an indefinite suspension. This decision reflects the need to protect the public and uphold the standards of the pharmacy profession. The pharmacist will have the opportunity to apply for the suspension to be lifted after two years, provided they can demonstrate that their fitness to practise is no longer impaired.

Learning Points for Pharmacy Professionals
This case underscores the critical importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date pharmacy records, particularly concerning Controlled Drugs. Pharmacy professionals must ensure compliance with legal and professional standards to safeguard patient safety and maintain public trust. Effective leadership and management within the pharmacy setting are essential, and professionals must be proactive in addressing any deficiencies in their practice. Continuous professional development and adherence to GPhC standards are vital in preventing similar issues.