Fitness to Practise Cases

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This archive contains General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Fitness to Practise (FtP) case summaries, detailing regulatory decisions affecting pharmacy professionals in the UK.

Each case provides insight into professional misconduct, errors, and ethical breaches that led to sanctions such as suspension, removal, or warnings. These summaries are valuable for:

  • Pharmacists & Pharmacy Technicians – to understand common regulatory pitfalls.
  • Employers & HR Teams – to learn about professional accountability and compliance.
  • Pharmacy Students – to prepare for real-world ethical challenges in pharmacy practice.

How to use this case summary database:

  • Search for specific cases using the search box above. You can search by keyword (e.g., "controlled drugs," "dishonesty," "suspension"), by sanction type (suspension, removal, warning) or issue type (dishonesty, prescribing errors, controlled drugs, etc.)
  • Alternatively, scroll down to browse the latest FtP case summaries.

Why it matters:

The decisions in these cases shape the legal and ethical landscape of pharmacy practice. Staying informed can help pharmacy professionals avoid similar mistakes and maintain high professional standards.

Latest FtP case summaries:

GPhC Review Determines No Ongoing Impairment After Sexual Misconduct Suspension

Date of Decision: June 12, 2025

Allegations: Inappropriate and sexually motivated conduct toward multiple female colleagues between 2018 and 2021, including: Touching a colleague's bottom on multiple occasions during work-related events. Making sexually explicit comments and questions regarding colleagues' sex lives and physical attributes. Engaging in behaviour that sought sexual gratification or a sexual relationship. Repeated unprofessional and boundary-violating remarks and actions.

Outcome: Suspension to lapse upon expiry; fitness to practise found not currently impaired.

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Pharmacist’s Theft of Prescription Medications: A Journey from Dishonesty to Remediation

Date of Decision: December 4, 2019

Allegations: Theft of prescription drugs from employer pharmacy Possession of a wide variety of prescription medications without lawful justification Dishonesty regarding the intention and handling of stolen medications Breach of professional standards concerning honesty and integrity

Outcome: No current impairment found; conditions on practice expired on 19 December 2019 following successful remediation and development of insight

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Dishonesty in Homeopathic Remedy Sales Leads to 12-Month Suspension for Pharmacist

Date of Decision: September 13, 2019

Allegations: Dishonestly sold and attempted to sell homeopathic remedies (Mandragora) with falsely claimed preparation methods. Misled a customer by stating remedies were machine-produced using a Korsakovian method when they were not. Sent a dishonest email attributing the false claims to a non-existent "trusted colleague." Attempted to cover up earlier dishonesty through additional falsehoods.

Outcome: 12-month suspension

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Warning Issued to Superintendent Over Unsafe Online Dispensing of High-Risk Medicines Without Adequate Safeguards

Date of Decision: June 5, 2025

Allegations: Entering into an agreement with an unlicensed prescriber. Dispensing high-risk medicines via an online service without adequate risk assessment or clinical oversight. Failing to audit the prescribing service or ensure compliance with UK prescribing guidance. Endangering patient safety through potential oversupply or inappropriate supply of medicines.

Outcome: Warning issued

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Pharmacist Suspended for Convictions Related to Controlled Drugs

Date of Decision: November 28, 2019

Allegations: Conviction for possession with intent to supply a Controlled Drug of Class C (Tramadol) Conviction for possession with intent to supply a Controlled Drug of Class C (Zolpidem) Conviction for possession with intent to supply a Controlled Drug of Class C (Zopiclone) Conviction for possession of a Controlled Drug of Class C (Lorazepam)

Outcome: Suspension extended for a further period of six months

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Boots Pharmacist Suspended for Repeated Theft and Unlawful Supply of Prescription Medicines

Date of Decision: June 12, 2019

Allegations: Theft of general medical supplies from the pharmacy without payment. Theft of Orlistat, a prescription-only medicine, from the pharmacy. Dispensing and/or supplying multiple prescription-only medicines without valid prescriptions. Failure to make any record of emergency supplies when applicable. Dishonest conduct over a prolonged period. Misleading subsequent employer and referee about the reasons for leaving previous employment.

Outcome: 12-month suspension order

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Pharmacist Removed from Register for Unsafe Storage and Intended Reuse of Out-of-Date Medicines

Date of Decision: December 16, 2019

Allegations: Asked an individual to store pharmaceutical waste (DOOP bins) in his garage. Requested that the same individual compile inventories of out-of-date medicines. Intended to reuse medications that were expired. Failed to ensure safe and effective storage of medication by instructing untrained individuals to handle pharmaceutical waste.

Outcome: Removal from the GPhC register

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