GP Pharmacist Suspended for Three Months After Repeated Unlawful Access of Patient Records
Date of Decision: January 23, 2020
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- Repeatedly accessing the medical records of eight individuals without any clinical justification.
- Accessing records of colleagues, friends, and their family members purely out of curiosity.
- Continuing to do so over the course of a year, on seven separate occasions.
- Abusing privileged access as a pharmacist working in GP settings.
Outcome: Suspension from the GPhC register for three months
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 6 – Behave in a professional manner
- Standard 7 – Respect and maintain a person’s confidentiality and privacy
- Standard 9 – Demonstrate leadership
- (Also breached pre-2017 Standard 3 – Show respect for others)
Case Summary
The registrant was employed as a Pharmacist Prescribing Advisor, with access to patient medical records across several GP surgeries. Between 2018 and 2019, the registrant accessed the records of:
- A colleague and three of her family members
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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
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