Pharmacy Manager Suspended for Dishonest Handling of Dispensing Errors and False NMS Claims

Date of Decision: December 1, 2018

Registrant's Role: Pharmacist

Allegations:

• Failed to record and/or report dispensing errors on three occasions involving:
• Incorrect supply of Betamethasone 0.1% eye drops instead of Dexamethasone 0.1%
• Dispensing Bisoprolol 1.25 mg instead of Ramipril 1.25 mg
• Dispensing Contour strips instead of Gluco RX strips
• Dishonest conduct in covering up the above errors
• Discouraged a colleague from reporting errors, including suggesting to “keep quiet” and dispose of medicines inappropriately
• Dishonest conduct in relation to the New Medicine Service (NMS), including scanning barcodes to claim payments despite incomplete interventions and follow-ups for 18 patients
• Misrepresented completion of NMS services, leading to false NHS claims

Outcome: Six-month suspension from the GPhC register

GPhC Standards Breached:

• Standard 1 – Person-centred care: Failed to act in the best interests of patients by not properly recording dispensing errors
• Standard 2 – Partnership working: Discouraged a junior colleague from reporting errors, failing in a duty of support and collaboration
• Standard 6 – Professional behaviour: Demonstrated dishonesty and concealment, seriously undermining professional integrity
• Standard 10 – Professionalism: Actions fell significantly short of expected professional standards through dishonesty and misrepresentation

Case Summary

Original Case Document