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 9, 2023
Allegations: Impairment of fitness to practise through misconduct and a conviction. Possession of a Class B drug (Cannabis) and failure to notify the Council of the conviction. Failure to complete a 'Something to Declare' form to inform the Council of a conviction.
Outcome: Suspension (12 months with review)
Date of Decision: March 21, 2023
Allegations: Supplying a controlled drug (Diazepam) of Class C without a Home Office Controlled Drugs Licence between 2 January 2014 and 20 April 2016. Supplying a controlled drug (Zopiclone) of Class C without a Home Office Controlled Drugs Licence between 8 January 2014 and 20 April 2016. Supplying a controlled drug (Zolpidem) of Class C without a Home Office Controlled Drugs Licence between 5 February 2014 and 20 April 2016. Supplying a controlled drug (Nitrazepam) of Class C without a Home Office Controlled Drugs Licence between 21 May 2014 and 20 April 2016.
Outcome: 12 Month Suspension
Date of Decision: March 27, 2023
Allegations: Sold and/or supervised the sale of large volumes of codeine linctus without having controls in place to monitor purchases, sales to customers, identify sales to repeat customers, or identify potential for patient misuse or addiction. Supplied codeine linctus to between 4 or 5 people up to 3 to 4 times a week without sufficient clinical justification. Did so knowingly and/or suspecting that the people were abusing or overusing a habit-forming medicine.
Outcome: Suspension, 4 Months
Date of Decision: April 6, 2023
Allegations: Failure to ensure robust procedures for verifying patient identity and preventing inappropriate supplies. Failure to ensure medicines supplied were appropriate and safe. Failure to identify and manage risks involved with pharmacy services. Failure to ensure services were covered by appropriate indemnity insurance.
Outcome: Suspension for 9 months
Date of Decision: February 28, 2023
Allegations: Dishonestly claimed to have worked at Colchester General Teaching Hospital from July 2010 to July 2011 on CV. Dishonestly claimed on LinkedIn profile to have worked as a pharmacist at Lloyds Pharmacy from January 2008 to January 2011.
Outcome: Suspension for 12 months, with a review
Date of Decision: November 17, 2022
Allegations: Worked as a locum pharmacist at St Mary's Hospital, Isle of Wight NHS Trust. Submitted timesheets with false information, claiming more hours than worked. Dishonest actions intended to mislead the Trust for payment.
Outcome: Suspension for 9 months with review
Date of Decision: February 17, 2023
Allegations: Conviction of theft of medication from Badhams Pharmacy. Possession of prescription-only medication intended for supply to friends without a prescription. Unauthorized taking of ibuprofen and paracetamol from Badhams Pharmacy. Dishonest conduct in taking medication without entitlement.
Outcome: Suspension for nine months with a review hearing.
Date of Decision: February 7, 2023
Allegations: The registrant removed various items from Boots store without permission or payment and had no intention of paying for them. The registrant was dishonest in doing so.
Outcome: Suspension, 6 months
Date of Decision: January 23, 2025
Allegations: Made comments to Patient A suggesting autism is not lifelong and linked to vaccinations. Claimed doctors have proven MMR vaccine causes autism. Advised Patient A to detox her son from vaccinations and avoid future vaccinations. Provided Patient A with names of anti-vaccination activists on prescription paper.
Outcome: Suspension of four months
Date of Decision: September 14, 2022
Allegations: Allowed and/or permitted approximately 1000 bottles of Codeine Linctus to be ordered and/or supplied without adequate checks. Supplied codeine linctus to Patient A without adequate investigation or warnings. Inappropriately ceased supply of codeine linctus to Patient A without making a referral for possible addiction.
Outcome: Suspension (12 months) with a Review Hearing