Pharmacist Suspended After Sexually Inappropriate Conduct Towards Colleague During Locum Shift
Date of Decision: September 28, 2018
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- On 16 April 2016, while working as the Responsible Pharmacist:
- a) Rubbed and/or touched his genital area over his clothing in the presence of Colleague A and/or Colleague B
- b) Put his arms around Colleague A
- c) Squeezed Colleague A
- d) Kissed Colleague A
- The above conduct (points b–d) was deemed sexually motivated
- Fitness to practise impaired by reason of misconduct
Outcome: Suspension allowed to expire; no further sanction imposed. The registrant’s fitness to practise was no longer considered impaired.
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 3.2 – Treat people politely and considerately
- Standard 3.9 – Maintain proper professional boundaries
- Standard 6.1 – Act with honesty and integrity
- Standard 6.5 – Meet standards of personal and professional conduct
Case Summary
Allegations
This case involves a pharmacist who, while acting as the Responsible Pharmacist during a locum shift on 16 April 2016, engaged in inappropriate and sexually motivated behaviour towards a female colleague (Colleague A). According to witness statements from both Colleague A and Colleague B, the pharmacist was seen repeatedly touching his genital area over his clothing during the shift. The more serious incident occurred later that same morning, when the pharmacist put both arms around Colleague A, squeezed her, and kissed her on the cheek near the mouth. This act was not witnessed by Colleague B but was immediately reported by Colleague A.
The pharmacist denied all allegations at the original hearing but later, during the deliberation on sanctions, admitted to putting his arm around Colleague A and kissing her. The panel found the conduct proved in full, but determined that only actions 1(b)–(d) were sexually motivated. The inappropriate touching of the groin area, though misconduct, was not deemed sexually motivated.
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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