Restoration of Pharmacist’s Registration After 13 Years
Date of Decision: December 14, 2021
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Outcome: Application granted
GPhC Standards Breached: Standard 1: Provide person-centred care Standard 2: Work in partnership with others Standard 3: Communicate effectively Standard 4: Maintain, develop and use professional knowledge and skills Standard 5: Use professional judgement Standard 6: Behave in a professional manner Standard 7: Respect and maintain the person’s confidentiality and privacy Standard 8: Speak up when they have concerns or when things go wrong Standard 9: Demonstrate leadership
Case Summary
In December 2021, the General Pharmaceutical Council’s Fitness to Practise Committee convened to consider the restoration application of a pharmacist whose registration had been removed in 2008 due to serious misconduct. The pharmacist, who had been out of full pharmacy practice for over a decade, sought to have his name restored to the register. The original allegations included unauthorized handling and self-supply of controlled drugs, breaches of confidentiality, and engaging unqualified personnel. Despite the gravity of these allegations, the pharmacist demonstrated significant remediation efforts, including professional development and personal rehabilitation.
The Committee evaluated the pharmacist’s application under Article 57 of the Pharmacy Order 2010, considering the overarching objective of public protection. The pharmacist provided extensive evidence of fitness to practise, including testimonials from a mentor and colleagues, and a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating his clinical competence and insight into past misconduct.
The GPhC determined that the pharmacist had developed sufficient insight and had taken appropriate steps to address the issues that led to his removal. The Committee noted the importance of public confidence in the profession and the need for consistent decision-making in restoration cases. Ultimately, the Committee granted the application for restoration without imposing conditions, acknowledging the pharmacist’s diligence and the robust support network he had established.
This case highlights the importance of demonstrating insight and remediation in fitness to practise proceedings. Pharmacy professionals should be aware of the standards expected of them and the potential consequences of failing to adhere to these standards. The case also underscores the role of mentorship and support in professional rehabilitation and the value of maintaining public trust in the pharmacy profession.
Original Case Document
The full determination transcript is available to logged in users.
Log in or register for free to access.