Pharmacist Removed from Register Due to Conviction for Theft of Medicines

In a recent determination by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Fitness to Practise Committee, a pharmacist was removed from the register following a conviction for theft of medications and other items valued at £43,842. The pharmacist, who was not present or represented at the hearing, had been convicted on 24 February 2021 at the Merseyside Magistrates’ Court. The thefts occurred over a ten-month period from 4th January 2019 to 12th October 2019, while the pharmacist was working as a locum at a pharmacy. The case was brought solely on the basis of this conviction.

Allegations:
The pharmacist was accused of stealing medications and other items from a pharmacy where he was employed as a locum. The thefts were substantial, amounting to £43,842, and involved prescription-only medicines. The pharmacist admitted to the thefts, citing financial strain from setting up his own online pharmacy business as a motive.

Findings:
The Committee found the allegations proved based on the memorandum of conviction, sentencing remarks, and other documentation from the court proceedings. The pharmacist’s actions were deemed a significant breach of trust and a departure from the principles and standards expected of pharmacy professionals.

GPhC Determination on Impairment:
The Committee determined that the pharmacist’s fitness to practise was impaired. The thefts were characterized by a breach of trust, significant planning, and a high degree of dishonesty. The pharmacist’s actions were found to have potentially endangered public safety by removing medications from the regulated supply chain.

Sanction:
The Committee concluded that removal from the register was the necessary and proportionate sanction. The pharmacist’s conduct was fundamentally incompatible with being a registered professional, and the seriousness of the dishonesty warranted this outcome.

Learning Points for Pharmacy Professionals:
This case underscores the critical importance of maintaining trust, honesty, and integrity in the pharmacy profession. Pharmacy professionals are reminded of their role as gatekeepers in the supply chain of medications and the severe consequences of breaching this trust. The decision highlights the need for pharmacy professionals to adhere to the GPhC standards and the potential repercussions of failing to do so.