Northern Ireland Community Pharmacist Issued Warning Over Misuse of Social Media Platform
Date of Decision: February 26, 2025
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- Accepted a police caution for the offence of improper use of a public electronic communications network.
- Created a false social media profile using someone else's photos without permission.
- Published false and inaccurate information causing undue anxiety to the victim.
Outcome: Warning
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 3.1.1 – Adhere to accepted and acceptable standards of personal and professional conduct at all times both inside and outside your work environment.
- Standard 3.3.1 – Ensure appropriate and responsible use of social networking sites and other forms of electronic communications.
Case Summary
Allegations
This case concerns a community pharmacist who accepted a police caution for creating a false profile on social media, using another individual’s photographs without consent, and disseminating misleading information about that person. The incident occurred in October 2023 and the profile remained public for up to three days. The content caused the victim undue anxiety. This led to a breach of trust and professional expectations, triggering a Fitness to Practise investigation by the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
The pharmacist accepted the caution from the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 21 October 2023 and promptly self-referred to the regulator. The actions were entirely unrelated to their professional practice, but they raised significant concerns about personal conduct and the responsible use of electronic communications.
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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC
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- Sanctions considered and imposed on the Pharmacist
- Key professional learning points
Original Case Document
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- Detailed findings of fact
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