Boots Pharmacist Struck Off After £44,000 Test Strip Theft, False MUR Claims, and Allowing Unauthorised Person to Check Prescriptions

Date of Decision: March 3, 2026

Registrant's Role: Pharmacist

Allegations:

Between February 2019 and December 2019, the registrant ordered 342 packs of CoaguChek test strips and removed them from the pharmacy without permission, with an approximate value of £44,355.33.
The registrant used colleagues’ login details to adjust stock exception counts to conceal the removal of the test strips.
The registrant acted dishonestly by removing the test strips without permission, knowing he was not authorised to take them, and attempting to conceal the removal.
Between April 2019 and February 2020, the registrant submitted or permitted the submission of claims for more Medicines Use Reviews (MURs) than had actually been completed at the pharmacy.
The registrant dishonestly submitted or permitted submission of MUR claims that he knew had not been completed or did not reasonably believe had been completed.
The registrant asked a colleague to remove his name and leave the initials section blank when recording dispensing errors on the pharmacy’s PIERS incident reporting system.
On 12 March 2020, the registrant allowed his partner (MK) unauthorised access to the dispensary, permitted her to locate a prescription for a family member, and allowed her to perform a clinical and/or accuracy check of dispensed medication.
On other occasions, the registrant allowed MK to access the dispensary, check prescriptions, advise patients, and operate the till despite not being authorised to work there.
The registrant left the pharmacy for extended periods without informing colleagues of his whereabouts or expected return time.
On more than one occasion, the registrant processed uncollected prescriptions to the NHS for payment.

Outcome: Removal from the register with an interim suspension order imposed pending the appeal period.

GPhC Standards Breached:

Standard 5 – Pharmacy professionals must use their professional judgement.
Standard 6 – Pharmacy professionals must behave in a professional manner.
Standard 9 – Pharmacy professionals must demonstrate leadership.

Case Summary

Allegations

The central allegation related to the ordering and disappearance of large quantities of CoaguChek test strips. These strips are used with point-of-care coagulation monitoring devices for patients taking anticoagulants such as warfarin, allowing them to monitor their INR levels. They are high-value healthcare products and are rarely prescribed in community pharmacy settings because more cost-effective alternatives are typically available.

Evidence from Boots’ stock management systems showed that between February and December 2019, 342 packs of CoaguChek test strips were ordered into the pharmacy. However, the systems indicated that the same quantity was subsequently removed through manual “exception counts” which reset stock levels to zero. The total value of the missing stock was approximately £44,355.

Continue Reading the Full Case

Create a free account or log in to access the complete case summary.

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

View the Full Determination Document

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