GPhC Warning for Superintendent Pharmacist After Controlled Drug Destruction and CD Register Failures
Date of Decision: September 17, 2026
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- Destroyed controlled drugs without an authorised person being present, contrary to the requirements described in the determination under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.
- Failed to make the required entries in the Controlled Drug register recording the medicines that had been destroyed.
- Failed, in their leadership role as Superintendent Pharmacist, to ensure that the procedures surrounding controlled-drug destruction and record keeping were properly followed.
- Acted in a manner which had the potential to place members of the public at risk and undermine public confidence in the pharmacy profession.
Outcome: Warning
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 2 – Work in partnership with others, including taking action to safeguard people and making and using records.
- Standard 8 – Speak up when things go wrong, including reflecting on actions, taking appropriate action and considering what can be done to prevent the same thing happening again.
- Standard 9 – Demonstrate leadership, including assessing the risks associated with actions and doing everything possible to keep those risks as low as possible.
Case Summary
Allegations
This case concerned a pharmacist holding the significant governance position of Superintendent Pharmacist. The registrant had occupied that role from 22 May 2024 and therefore carried responsibility for overseeing the operation of the pharmacy and ensuring that its activities complied with applicable legal and professional standards.
A particular aspect of that responsibility concerned controlled drugs. The determination expressly referred to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 and explained that controlled drugs must be destroyed in the presence of an authorised person and that appropriate entries relating to destroyed controlled drugs must be made in the Controlled Drug register.
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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.