Locum Pharmacist Removed from GPhC Register After Stealing and Injecting Midazolam at Work
Date of Decision: September 4, 2025
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- Removed a quantity of Midazolam from the pharmacy without legal authority, prescription, or payment.
- Injected Midazolam into his own body while on duty.
- Acted dishonestly in taking the Midazolam without permission or authority.
- Practised as a pharmacist while unfit due to drug use.
- Had underlying medical conditions relevant to fitness to practise.
Outcome: Removal from the register
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 1 – Provide person-centred care
- Standard 5 – Use professional judgement
- Standard 6 – Behave in a professional manner
- Standard 9 – Demonstrate leadership
Case Summary
Allegations
This case involved a locum pharmacist who was found to have engaged in serious misconduct while on duty at Tiffenbergs Chemist in Liverpool. The core of the allegations centred on his unlawful handling and self-administration of Midazolam, a Schedule 3 controlled drug, which he removed from pharmacy stock and injected into himself during working hours on 15 September 2022.
He was observed acting suspiciously around drawers containing controlled drugs and repeatedly visiting the toilet, where rustling sounds were heard. Colleagues later discovered paraphernalia in the toilet bin, including a ripped Midazolam box, a broken ampoule, and tissues with blood on them. Subsequently, he was seen slurring his speech, unable to focus, and physically unsteady—yet he returned to the dispensary and attempted to resume professional duties.
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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC
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- Outcome of the investigation
- Sanctions considered and imposed on the Pharmacist
- Key professional learning points
Original Case Document
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- Full hearing transcript
- Detailed findings of fact
- Sanction reasoning
- Details of the pharmacy professionals involved