GPhC Finds No Impairment After Pharmacist’s Cocaine and Cannabis Misuse: Lessons on Abstinence, Insight and Remediation

Date of Decision: July 17, 2019

Registrant's Role: Pharmacist

Allegations:

  • Between mid-March 2017 and mid-June 2017, the registrant consumed cocaine, a Class A controlled drug. The registrant admitted this allegation.
  • Between December 2017 and July 2018, the registrant consumed cannabis, a Class B controlled drug. The registrant admitted this allegation.
  • By reason of this conduct, the GPhC alleged that the registrant’s fitness to practise was impaired by misconduct and adverse physical or mental health. At the original principal hearing, impairment was ultimately found on the ground of misconduct.

Outcome: Fitness to practise no longer impaired

GPhC Standards Breached:

  • None

Case Summary

Allegations

This case concerned a pharmacist’s use of cocaine and cannabis outside the workplace and the subsequent assessment of whether the pharmacist remained fit to practise after serving a period of suspension.

The first allegation related to the registrant’s consumption of cocaine between mid-March and mid-June 2017. Cocaine is legally classified as a Class A controlled drug. The registrant admitted the allegation. The second allegation concerned cannabis use between December 2017 and July 2018. Cannabis is classified as a Class B controlled drug, and this allegation was also admitted.

Continue Reading the Full Case

This case was published more than two weeks ago. A premium subscription is required to read the complete case summary.

  • 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

Become a Premium Subscriber or Log In

Original Case Document

The original determination document is available to registered users.

Register for Free or Log In

Leave a Reply