Pharmacist Restored to Register After 10-Year Removal Due to Dishonesty

In a recent GPhC Fitness to Practise Committee hearing, a pharmacist was restored to the register after being removed for 10 years due to a finding of dishonesty. The original allegations involved the dishonest removal of fragrance testers from a Boots pharmacy in 2010, which led to a determination of impaired fitness to practise by reason of misconduct. Despite contesting the allegations at the time, the pharmacist’s appeal to the High Court was dismissed in 2014.

During the restoration hearing, the pharmacist presented extensive evidence of professional development and personal reflection. He provided testimonials from colleagues and employers attesting to his integrity and trustworthiness. The Committee noted his efforts to maintain professional knowledge and skills, as well as his insight into the seriousness of the original findings against him.

The GPhC’s determination on impairment focused on the pharmacist’s understanding of the impact of his actions on the profession and his commitment to upholding professional standards. The Committee was satisfied that he had demonstrated sufficient insight and remorse, and that there was no risk of repetition of the misconduct.

The sanction imposed was the restoration of the pharmacist to the register without conditions. The Committee concluded that the 10-year period off the register was proportionate to the seriousness of the original findings and that restoring him would meet the overarching objective of protecting the public and maintaining confidence in the profession.

Learning points for pharmacy professionals include the importance of honesty and integrity in professional practice, the potential long-term consequences of misconduct, and the value of demonstrating insight and remediation when seeking restoration to the register.