Pharmacist Suspended After Failing to Comply with Conditions Over Controlled Drugs and Dispensing Errors
Date of Decision: April 15, 2019
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- Numerous and serious errors in the handling of Controlled Drugs (CDs)
- Dispensing errors over a period of several months (August 2016 – February 2017)
- Inadequate record-keeping
- Failure to comply with conditions imposed by the GPhC following initial hearing
- Failure to engage with regulatory process post-conditions order
Outcome: 6-month suspension order with review
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 1 – Provide person-centred care
- Standard 2 – Work in partnership with people
- Standard 3 – Communicate effectively
- Standard 4 – Maintain, develop and use professional knowledge and skills
- Standard 6 – Behave professionally
- Standard 7 – Respect and maintain a person’s confidentiality and privacy
- Standard 9 – Demonstrate leadership
Case Summary
Allegations
The registrant, a pharmacist, faced a review hearing following serious professional failings identified during a previous principal hearing held in 2018. The original allegations related to a range of misconduct spanning approximately six months, from August 2016 to February 2017. These included multiple dispensing errors, breaches of Controlled Drugs (CDs) legislation, and poor record-keeping.
In the original hearing, the registrant admitted to nearly all the allegations, describing his actions as “deplorable”. Despite this, a set of conditions was imposed rather than immediate suspension or erasure, largely due to mitigating factors such as the registrant’s previously unblemished record, his partial insight, expressed remorse, and engagement with the proceedings.
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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC
- Panel findings and reasoning
- Outcome of the investigation
- Sanctions considered and imposed on the Pharmacist
- Key professional learning points
Original Case Document
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The original determination transcript is available to registered users.
- Download the official GPhC determination
- Full hearing transcript
- Detailed findings of fact
- Sanction reasoning
- Details of the pharmacy professionals involved