Your guide to Pharmacy Law and Ethics
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:
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.
Date of Decision: March 5, 2024
Allegations: Dishonesty on CV regarding employment at Colchester General Teaching Hospital from July 2010 to July 2011. Dishonesty on LinkedIn profile regarding employment at Lloyds Pharmacy from January 2008 to January 2011.
Outcome: Suspension order replaced with Conditions of Practice Order for 12 months
Date of Decision: August 17, 2023
Allegations: Misconduct involving inappropriate comments and messages of a sexual nature towards a trainee pharmacy technician. Sending inappropriate messages and photos via social media to the same colleague. Alleged sexual motivation behind the conduct, which was not proven.
Outcome: Suspension, 1 month
Date of Decision: March 12, 2024
Allegations: Supplying a Controlled Drug of Class C to another, between 20 August 2015 and 13 September 2016, contrary to section 4(3)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 Supplying a Controlled Drug of Class C to another, between 9 July 2015 and 13 September 2016, contrary to section 4(3)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 Supplying a Controlled Drug of Class C to another, between 8 February 2016 and 13 September 2016, contrary to section 4(3)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 Supplying a Controlled Drug of Class C to another, between 21 April 2016 and 13 September 2016, contrary to section 4(3)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 Possessing a Controlled Drug of Class C with intent, on 13 September 2016, contrary to section 5(3) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
Outcome: Indefinite Suspension
Date of Decision: January 10, 2024
Allegations: On 22 February 2022, attempted to remove one strip of Tramadol 10 capsules from Lloyds Direct Pharmacy. Actions were dishonest in that the registrant knew they did not have permission to remove medications and intended to do so without making payment. Did not have a valid prescription for Tramadol.
Outcome: Suspension Order for 9 months
Date of Decision: May 10, 2023
Allegations: The case involves a review of an interim order of conditions imposed on a pharmacist's practice, requiring compliance with specific conditions related to employment, supervision, and prescribing practices.
Outcome: Order Varied and Continued (by consent)
Date of Decision: May 31, 2023
Allegations: Failure to produce Private Prescription, Emergency Supply records, and CD registers during inspections. Keeping pharmacy records at home, risking patient confidentiality. CD registers not up to date and discrepancies found. Failure to implement an action plan to update records. Failure to produce SOPs during inspections.
Outcome: Suspension (9 months)
Date of Decision: June 8, 2023
Allegations: On 27 October 2020, the registrant removed 4 x 200ml bottles of codeine linctus SF from Tuebrook Pharmacy without making payment. On 28 October 2020, the registrant removed 4 bottles of 200ml codeine linctus BP from Upton Rocks Pharmacy without making payment.
Outcome: Suspension, 4 months with review
Date of Decision: May 3, 2023
Allegations: Dishonesty by reporting in sick to one employer while working for another. Working simultaneously for two employers during contracted hours. Misrepresentation of employment status to employers.
Outcome: Suspension for 6 months with a review hearing
Date of Decision: April 27, 2023
Allegations: On 9 February 2019, the registrant emailed confidential patient information to a personal email account, including names, dates of birth, NHS numbers, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, and GP details. The registrant's actions were dishonest, intending to use the information for personal and/or financial purposes. The registrant accessed the information without clinical justification or need. On 15 February 2019, the registrant denied involvement in the incident when questioned by the Superintendent Pharmacist for Tesco Stores Ltd. The registrant's denial was dishonest, knowing they had sent the spreadsheet to their personal email address.
Outcome: Suspension (3 months)
Date of Decision: February 9, 2023
Allegations: Failure to prescribe within the limits of competency and/or scope of prescribing practice. Failure to prescribe in accordance with GMC Good practice in prescribing and managing medicines and devices guidance. Failure to prescribe medication in such a way as to safeguard patients and minimize the risk of medication being misused, overused, or abused. Specific failures in prescribing practices for multiple patients, including inadequate consultations and lack of communication with GPs.
Outcome: Suspension for 10 months, with review