Pharmacist Issued Warning for Misconduct in Medicine Management
Date of Decision: February 14, 2025
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Outcome: Warning
GPhC Standards Breached: Standard 1 – Pharmacy professionals must provide person-centred care Standard 2 – Pharmacy professionals must work in partnership with others Standard 3 – Pharmacy professionals must communicate effectively Standard 5 – Pharmacy professionals must use their professional judgement Standard 6 – Pharmacy professionals must behave in a professional manner Standard 9 – Pharmacy professionals must demonstrate leadership
Case Summary
Allegations
The case involved a pharmacist who was the Superintendent Pharmacist at Evercaring Pharmacy. The allegations included failing to manage the dispensing of medicines safely and effectively, particularly in an online setting. The pharmacist oversaw the purchase and sale of large volumes of codeine linctus, promethazine products, and asthma inhalers without adequate controls. Additionally, there were failures in verifying patient identities and ensuring that pharmacy services were risk assessed and audited.
Findings
The GPhC panel found that the pharmacist’s actions amounted to misconduct. The panel noted breaches in several GPhC standards, including providing person-centred care and demonstrating leadership. Despite these breaches, the panel acknowledged the pharmacist’s remorse and insight into their misconduct.
GPhC Determination on Impairment
The panel concluded that the pharmacist’s fitness to practise was not impaired. They recognized that while the public was put at risk, the likelihood of repetition was low. The panel emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the profession.
Sanction
The pharmacist was issued a warning. The panel decided against restricting the pharmacist’s right to practise, citing no risk to patients. However, they deemed it necessary to publicly acknowledge the misconduct to uphold professional standards. The warning will be published on the register for 12 months.
Key Learning Points for Pharmacy Professionals
This case highlights the critical importance of maintaining robust controls in the management of medicine dispensing, especially in online settings. Pharmacy professionals must ensure thorough identity checks and risk assessments to prevent misconduct. As the panel stated, “The Committee has decided that there is no need to take action to restrict your right to practise, as there is no risk to patients.” This underscores the need for vigilance and adherence to professional standards to maintain public trust.
Original Case Document
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