Fitness to Practise Cases

[ivory-search id="5173" title="FtP cases search form"]

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:

Boots Pharmacist’s Misconduct Involving Theft and Misuse of Controlled Drugs

Date of Decision: March 6, 2020

Allegations: Ordered and failed to record controlled drugs in the pharmacy's register. Removed and supplied controlled drugs to an unknown third party without a valid prescription. Dishonestly removed medications from the pharmacy without permission or payment. Supplied medication for clinical treatment without a valid prescription or clinical advice. Removed medication from unknown pharmacies for self-medication.

Outcome: Removal from the Register

Read more »

Indefinite Suspension of Pharmacist for Record-Keeping Failures and Misadministration of Controlled Drugs

Date of Decision: February 29, 2024

Allegations: Failed to produce pharmacy records including Controlled Drugs (CD) registers during inspections. Pharmacy records were kept at home and were not up to date. Errors and discrepancies in CD registers, including missing entries and discrepancies between recorded and actual drug balances. Schedule 2 Controlled Drug not securely stored. Deficiencies in emergency supply records. Risk of breaching patient confidentiality by keeping records at home.

Outcome: Indefinite suspension

Read more »

Pharmacist Removed from Register Due to Conviction for Illegal Drug Supply

Date of Decision: January 26, 2021

Allegations: Supplying a Controlled Drug of Class C to another, between 1 February 2016 and 30 September 2016, contrary to section 4(3)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Supplying a Controlled Drug of Class B to another, between 23 May 2016 and 30 September 2016, contrary to section 4(3)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Selling or supplying a prescription only medicine not in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner, between 3 March 2016 and 30 September 2016, contrary to Regulation 214(1) and 255(1) and (2) of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.

Outcome: Removed

Read more »

“BBC investigation” Pharmacist Restored to Register After Demonstrating Insight and Remorse

Date of Decision: July 19, 2021

Allegations: On 23 August 2012, the registrant was the Superintendent pharmacist at Safeer Pharmacy. A supply of Amoxicillin 500mg, a prescription-only medicine, was made from the pharmacy by the counter assistant. The registrant was the responsible pharmacist at the time when the supply was made. The supply was made otherwise than in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner. The registrant knew that the supply had been made and that it was unlawful.

Outcome: Restoration to the register

Read more »