12-Month Conditions on Pharmacist For COVID-19 Vaccination Site Failures
Date of Decision: August 26, 2026
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- In July 2022, the registrant submitted expressions of interest for NHS England vaccination services in the name of a pharmacy without authorisation.
- On 16 August 2022, the registrant signed NHS England vaccination service contracts on behalf of the pharmacy without authorisation for sites at Elmstead Market, Haverhill and Brandon.
- The registrant incorrectly described himself as the manager and/or owner of the pharmacy: On risk assessments dated 25 July 2022, where he was identified as the owner; On contracts dated 16 August 2022, where he was described as the Pharmacy Manager.
- At the Elmstead Market vaccination site on or around 13 October 2022, it was alleged that the registrant: Failed to ensure there was a mechanism for monitoring the input of vaccinations into the fridge; Failed to ensure staff training records were available to demonstrate appropriate training.
- At the Haverhill site on or around 25 November 2022, the registrant failed to ensure that COVID-19 vaccine was collected and/or transported using an authorised vaccine porter.
- Following an adverse incident involving Patient A at the Haverhill vaccination site on or around 3 December 2022, the registrant failed to: Carry out an adequate clinical assessment; Issue a vaccination card; Notify Patient A’s GP of the incident; 7.4 Refer Patient A to A&E; Report Patient A’s reaction to the Integrated Care Board; Complete the internal investigation requested by the Integrated Care Board.
- Between approximately December 2022 and January 2023, at the Haverhill site, the registrant failed to securely store and/or arrange the safe disposal of clinical waste.
- Between approximately December 2022 and January 2023, at the Elmstead site, the registrant: Failed to return unused COVID-19 vaccinations to the Integrated Care Board; Failed to securely store unused COVID-19 vaccinations; Failed to securely store sharps bins.
Outcome: The Committee imposed conditions of practice for a period of 12 months.
GPhC Standards Breached:
- 1) provide person-centred care
- 2) work in partnership with others
- 5) use professional judgement
- 8) speak up when they have concerns or when things go wrong
- 9) demonstrate leadership
Case Summary
Allegations
This case arose from the registrant’s involvement in establishing and operating COVID-19 vaccination services at a number of NHS-commissioned sites during 2022 and early 2023. The concerns covered both organisational governance and direct patient-safety matters.
An important feature of the determination is that some of the most serious allegations initially advanced by the GPhC were not proved. In particular, the Committee did not find that the registrant had acted without authority when submitting expressions of interest or signing contracts on behalf of the pharmacy. Evidence from the superintendent pharmacist indicated that there had been a verbal and comparatively informal arrangement giving the registrant significant operational authority over the vaccination programme.
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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC/PSNI
- Panel findings and reasoning
- Outcome of the investigation
- Sanctions considered and imposed on the Pharmacist
- Key professional learning points
Original Case Document
The original determination document is available to registered users.