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: November 28, 2023
Allegations: Dishonesty and lack of integrity in employment Working simultaneously for two NHS employers without disclosure Providing false information regarding employment status and health
Outcome: Order to lapse on expiry
Date of Decision: January 4, 2024
Allegations: Worked as an Independent Prescriber Pharmacist at Instant E-Care Limited between 5 September and 18 October 2019. The pharmacy's process did not safeguard vulnerable patients, lacking governance for medicines liable to abuse or misuse. Patients could choose medicines before consultation; insufficient information was gathered to ensure clinically appropriate prescribing. Prescriptions were issued without verifying patients' diagnoses with their GPs. Registrant was unable to demonstrate competency in prescribing many available medicines. Prescribing process lacked peer review, affecting safety and effectiveness of care. Serious risk of harm due to lack of competency in managing high-risk medications.
Outcome: Not impaired, suspension to expire at the end of 13 January 2024
Date of Decision: January 23, 2024
Allegations: Conviction of theft by an employee on 2 February 2022 at Walsall Magistrates’ Court. Breach of patient confidentiality by storing prescriptions in the boot of a car between 1 August 2019 and 29 May 2020.
Outcome: Removal
Date of Decision: February 1, 2024
Allegations: Failure to ensure robust procedures for dispensing high-risk drugs. Inadequate management of risks associated with pharmacy services. Lack of appropriate indemnity insurance for services.
Outcome: Not impaired
Date of Decision: February 5, 2024
Allegations: Dispensing controlled drugs without a prescription. Failure to ensure the safe dispensing of controlled drugs. Dispensing and self-checking controlled drugs. Allowing dispensers to give controlled drugs without supervision. Failure to report incidents on the company reporting system (DATIX) in a timely manner.
Outcome: Suspension extended for 6 months, with further review
Date of Decision: February 15, 2024
Allegations: Ordered medication using the Pharmacy’s PMR system without adequate audit trail. Took stock from the Pharmacy without payment. Provided private prescriptions without permission or indemnity insurance. Charged patients a fee for private prescriptions without permission. Dishonestly charged for private prescriptions to make personal financial gain.
Outcome: Current order to lapse upon expiry (6 March 2024)
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