Boots Pharmacist Removed from Register Due to Conviction for Theft and Drug Supply
Date of Decision: September 14, 2021
Allegations: Theft by employee x2 Possession with intent to supply a Class C Controlled drug x2
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:
Pharmacist Removed from Register for Supplying Controlled Drugs Illegally
Date of Decision: October 13, 2021
Allegations: Supplying a controlled drug (Diazepam) of Class C to another between 1 February 2016 and 9 August 2017. Supplying a controlled drug (Nitrazepam) of Class C to another between 1 February 2016 and 9 August 2017. Supplying a controlled drug (Tramadol) of Class C to another between 1 February 2016 and 9 August 2017. Supplying a controlled drug (Zolpidem) of Class C to another between 1 February 2016 and 9 August 2017. Supplying a controlled drug (Zopiclone) of Class C to another between 1 February 2016 and 9 August 2017.
Outcome: Removed
Scamming Pharmacist Removed from Register Due to Fraud Convictions
Date of Decision: February 3, 2022
Allegations: The registrant committed three frauds between 2018 and 2019, extracting a total of £288,200 from Person A under false pretenses. The registrant falsely claimed to have cancer to extract £127,150 from Person A for supposed treatment costs. The registrant fraudulently claimed £121,339.55 from Company A for non-existent business expenses.
Outcome: Removed
Restoration of Pharmacist After Conviction for Cheating Public Revenue
Date of Decision: December 21, 2020
Allegations: Conviction for two offences of cheating the public revenue. Fraudulent manipulation of the VAT system by claiming false exports to Nigeria. Submission of false documents to HMRC to support VAT repayment claims.
Outcome: Restoration to the register
Pharmacist Struck Off for NHS Fraud Involving Over 1,500 Prescriptions
Date of Decision: September 22, 2020
Allegations: Dishonestly making false representation to make gain for self/another or cause loss to other/expose other to risk, contrary to sections 1 and 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.
Outcome: The registrant's name was removed from the register permanently.
Pharmacist’s Misconduct in Codeine Linctus Supply Leads to Conditions Imposed
Date of Decision: November 2, 2023
Allegations: Did not adequately manage the risks associated with sales of codeine linctus and minimise the potential for patient misuse or addiction. Supplied up to 2 x 200ml bottles of codeine linctus to Person A approximately every three days without sufficient clinical justification and with knowledge or suspicion of misuse. Supplied up to 2 x 200ml bottles of codeine linctus to Person B approximately once per week without sufficient clinical justification and with knowledge or suspicion of misuse.
Outcome: Conditions, 12 months
Pharmacist’s Fitness to Practise Impaired Due to Mismanagement of Controlled Drugs
Date of Decision: November 9, 2023
Allegations: Failure to ensure controlled drug entries were accurate and up to date between 2017 and 2019. Failure to maintain a tidy and hygienic pharmacy environment. Failure to carry out regular balance checks of controlled drugs. Failure to comply with conditions imposed by previous committees.
Outcome: Suspension for 9 months with a review
Pharmacist’s Fitness to Practise Impaired Due to Misconduct and Conviction
Date of Decision: March 21, 2024
Allegations: Possession of a Class B drug (Cannabis) and failure to disclose conviction to the GPhC. Previous misconduct leading to suspension. Non-engagement with the regulatory process.
Outcome: Suspension – 9 months
Pharmacist Issued Warning for Unauthorised Access to Medical Records
Date of Decision: February 8, 2024
Allegations: Accessed and/or viewed Person A's records without consent or clinical reason. Accessed and/or viewed Person B's records without consent or clinical reason. Accessed and/or viewed Person C's records without consent or clinical reason.
Outcome: Warning
Pharmacist Suspended for Cannabis Use and Failure to Notify Conviction
Date of Decision: February 23, 2022
Allegations: Consumption of cannabis between March 2020 and August 2020. Conviction for possession of cannabis on 11 September 2020. Failure to notify the GPhC of the conviction within 7 days.
Outcome: Suspension for 12 months with review