Pharmacist Suspended for Misappropriation of Controlled Drugs Due to Health-Related Misconduct and Dishonesty
Date of Decision: July 26, 2018
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- Removed and consumed Oramorph from Pharmacy A without authorisation.
- Removed and consumed Oramorph, Diazepam, Dihydrocodeine, and Codeine from Pharmacy B without authorisation.
- Dishonesty in removing and consuming medication without permission or prescription, and without payment.
- Received a police conditional caution for theft of controlled prescription drugs.
- Suffering from adverse physical and/or mental health.
Outcome: Suspension for six months with a review hearing to be held before the end of the suspension period.
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 6 – Be honest and trustworthy.
- Standard 7 – Take responsibility for your working practices; Practice only if you are fit to do so.
Case Summary
Allegations
This case centers on a pharmacist who engaged in repeated and dishonest removal and self-administration of controlled drugs—specifically Oramorph (morphine oral solution), Diazepam, Dihydrocodeine, and Codeine—from two pharmacies where he was employed. These actions took place over several months in 2016 and were later confirmed via toxicology hair testing and CCTV evidence.
The pharmacist admitted to taking the medications to manage chronic knee pain stemming from earlier sports injuries. However, he did so without prescriptions or employer consent, directly contravening pharmacy regulations and legal standards. His conduct led to a police caution for theft under the Theft Act 1968 and raised serious questions about his fitness to practise, given the risk of harm to patients from a pharmacist working under the influence.
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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC
- Panel findings and reasoning
- 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