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:

Pharmacy Technician Convicted of Smuggling Contraband into Prison: GPhC Review Determines Fitness to Practise Restored

Date of Decision: July 3, 2025

Allegations: Conviction on 11 September 2023 at St Albans Crown Court for: Conveying a SIM card and three SD cards into HM Prison The Mount on 2 January 2023, contrary to section 40A(2) of the Prison Act 1952. Conveying cannabis into HM Prison The Mount on the same date, also contrary to section 40A(2) of the Prison Act 1952.

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

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Pharmacist Suspension Expires after Exam Dishonesty and Motoring Convictions

Date of Decision: January 14, 2019

Allegations: Dishonesty toward an NHS Trust regarding a Clinical Pharmacy Diploma exam. Dishonest statements to colleagues about sitting and completing an exam that was never taken. Failure to disclose motoring convictions to the GPhC within the required timeframe. Dishonesty on a GPhC registration renewal form by declaring no criminal convictions.

Outcome: Suspension was allowed to lapse as the registrant was found no longer impaired

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Pharmacist Receives Conditional Registration After Multiple Controlled Drug Handling Errors

Date of Decision: February 12, 2019

Allegations: Made non-chronological entries in the CD register. Failed to seal a dosette box leading to Morphine Sulphate Tablets being misplaced. Incorrectly recorded or omitted CD entries. Advised dispensing Temazepam without a valid prescription. Provided misleading information during employment applications. Failed to comply with SOPs, storage, and labelling procedures. Dishonestly omitted prior suspension and employment history from CV.

Outcome: Twelve-month conditional registration order with review

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Boots Pharmacist Sanctioned for Theft of Controlled Drugs from Glasgow Pharmacy

Date of Decision: July 2, 2025

Allegations: On 5 June 2020, took 200 tablets of Dihydrocodeine 30mg without prescription or authorisation. On 10 June 2020, took 100 tablets of Dihydrocodeine 30mg without prescription or authorisation. On 16 June 2020, took 200 tablets of Dihydrocodeine 30mg, 56 tablets of Diazepam 5mg, and 56 tablets of Zopiclone 7.5mg without prescription or authorisation. On 16 June 2020, labelled a prescription bag with these medications using her son's name. Incorrectly stated that the medications were creams for her son. Requested a colleague not to report the incident. Engaged in dishonest conduct in taking medications and providing misleading information. Sought to conceal her actions, demonstrating a lack of integrity.

Outcome: Conditions of practice order – 18 months with review

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Pharmacy Technician Removed from Register Following Conviction for Child Exploitation and Dishonesty

Date of Decision: July 3, 2025

Allegations: Conviction on 7 May 2024 for: Four counts of distributing indecent photographs/pseudo-photographs of a child Two counts of making indecent photographs/pseudo-photographs of a child One count of voyeurism – recording a private act Possession of indecent photographs/pseudo-photographs of a child Dishonesty in voluntary removal application by declaring no criminal convictions

Outcome: Removal from the register

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Community Pharmacist Warned After Dispensing Errors Involving Child Patient Lead to Hospitalization

Date of Decision: July 3, 2025

Allegations: Supplied incorrect medication to a child without adequate checking. Supplied medication unsuitable for a child’s age and dosage requirements, leading to hospitalization. Repeated dispensing errors in July 2022 and May 2023, indicating a lack of due diligence and insight. Failed to involve or communicate effectively with other staff and the patient’s mother. Delegated communication to an unqualified apprentice.

Outcome: Warning issued

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