Pharmacist Removed from Register Due to Conviction for Theft by Employee
Date of Decision: October 19, 2023
Allegations: On 04 January 2022, at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court, the registrant was convicted of theft by employee.
Outcome: Removal
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:
Pharmacy Technician Convicted of Attempting Sexual Communication with a Minor Removed from Register
Date of Decision: November 7, 2023
Allegations: On 8 March 2023, convicted at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court of adult attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child.
Outcome: Removal
Pharmacist’s Suspension Lapses After Demonstrating Insight and Remediation
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
Pharmacist’s Suspension Reviewed: Insight and Remediation Lead to No Further Action
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
Pharmacy Technician Removed from Register Due to Theft and Breach of Confidentiality
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
Pharmacist’s Fitness to Practise Review: Insight and Remediation Lead to Lifting of Suspension
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
Pharmacist’s Suspension Extended Due to Continued Impairment in Controlled Drugs Dispensing Case
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
Pharmacist’s Fitness to Practise Review: Insight and Remediation Lead to Lapse of Suspension
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)
Pharmacist’s Dishonesty on CV Leads to Conditions of Practice Order
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
Pharmacist Suspended for Inappropriate Conduct with Colleague
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