Pharmacist Issued GPhC Warning After Taking Diazepam and Omeprazole From Pharmacy Stock During Shifts Amid Personal and Health Difficulties
Date of Decision: May 13, 2026
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- On two occasions in May and/or June 2023, the registrant took Diazepam from pharmacy stock without a valid prescription and/or without payment.
- The registrant consumed all or some of the Diazepam whilst on shift and continued working.
- On two occasions in May and/or June 2023, the registrant took Omeprazole from pharmacy stock without payment and/or without a valid prescription and consumed at least some of the medication.
- The conduct was alleged to be dishonest because: the registrant knew the medicines did not belong to her; the registrant knew a prescription and/or payment would be required; and the registrant neither had a prescription nor paid for the medicines.
Outcome: The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Warning for 12 months, which will be published against the register.
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 5 – Pharmacy professionals must use their professional judgement
- Standard 6 – Pharmacy professionals must behave in a professional manner
- Standard 8 – Pharmacy professionals must speak up when they have concerns or when things go wrong
- Standard 9 – Pharmacy professionals must demonstrate leadership
Case Summary
Allegations
This case concerned a pharmacist who admitted taking prescription-only medicines, including Diazepam and Omeprazole, from pharmacy stock whilst acting as the Responsible Pharmacist at a community pharmacy in Hampshire. The conduct occurred during May and June 2023 and was identified after the superintendent pharmacist reviewed CCTV footage due to concerns about the registrant’s punctuality and work performance.
The CCTV footage allegedly showed the registrant removing medicines from stock on multiple occasions and consuming them whilst on duty. Specifically, the allegations related to Diazepam, a benzodiazepine medicine classified as a Schedule 4 Controlled Drug in the UK, commonly prescribed for anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and acute distress. The registrant was also alleged to have taken Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor used to treat gastric reflux and acid-related gastrointestinal conditions.
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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC
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- Outcome of the investigation
- Sanctions considered and imposed on the Pharmacist
- Key professional learning points
Original Case Document
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- Full hearing transcript
- Detailed findings of fact
- Sanction reasoning
- Details of the pharmacy professionals involved