Pharmacist Suspended for Unlawful Medicine Supply, Drinking on Duty, and Failing Vulnerable Patients
Date of Decision: April 17, 2025
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- Supplied diazepam and codeine-containing medicines to family members without prescriptions.
- Self-medicated using codeine linctus taken from the pharmacy without authorisation or documentation.
- Consumed alcohol while on duty in the pharmacy, impairing his judgement.
- Failed to supply diazepam to a care home resident, later admitting he took the medication home.
- Told a patient with dementia to call back later because “she wouldn’t remember” anyway.
Outcome: Suspension from the register for 3 months
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 1 – Provide person-centred care
- Standard 5 – Use professional judgement
- Standard 6 – Behave in a professional manner
- Standard 9 – Demonstrate leadership
Case Summary
A number of allegations were made against the registrant, who was the owner, Director, and Superintendent Pharmacist, at the Pharmacy involved.
Unlawful Supply and Misuse of Medicines
The registrant admitted to:
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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC/PSNI
- 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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