Tesco Pharmacist Fraud Case: False Locum Claims and Dishonest Declarations Lead to Suspension
Date of Decision: April 9, 2019
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- Between October 2011 and October 2014, the registrant committed fraud by falsely claiming that a locum pharmacist (Person A) had worked shifts and was entitled to payment, when in fact the registrant had worked those hours.
- The registrant dishonestly arranged payments to Person A for locum work not undertaken by her, resulting in financial gain.
- The registrant failed to declare prior criminal convictions when completing registration and annual renewal declarations between 2011 and 2016.
- The registrant knowingly provided false information on official declarations regarding criminal convictions.
- The registrant’s conduct amounted to misconduct and raised concerns regarding conviction history.
Outcome: Suspension for 6 months with review
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 1 – Provide person-centred care (compromised by dishonesty affecting trust in care provision)
- Standard 6 – Behave professionally (breached through fraudulent conduct and dishonesty)
- Standard 7 – Respect and maintain the person’s confidentiality and privacy (indirectly undermined professional integrity expectations)
- Standard 9 – Demonstrate leadership (failed to act with integrity as a pharmacy manager)
Case Summary
Allegations
This case concerns a pharmacist who, while working as a Duty Pharmacy Manager at Tesco, engaged in sustained dishonest conduct over a prolonged period. The primary allegation involved fraudulent claims relating to locum pharmacist payments. The registrant recorded that a locum pharmacist (Person A) had worked shifts when, in reality, the registrant had personally worked those hours. Payments totalling over £51,000 were made to Person A, with a substantial portion relating to shifts actually worked by the registrant.
The registrant admitted to creating false records and facilitating payments under another individual’s name. This included falsification of key pharmacy documentation such as the Responsible Pharmacist Record (RPR) and Locum Invoice Payment Forms (LIPFs), both of which are essential for maintaining accountability and audit trails in pharmacy practice.
A secondary set of allegations related to the registrant’s failure to declare prior criminal convictions (primarily road traffic offences) when applying for registration and during multiple annual renewals. While these omissions were initially alleged to be dishonest, the registrant argued they arose from a misunderstanding of guidance regarding fixed penalties.
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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