Pharmacist’s Conditions on Practice Extended After Dishonest COVID-19 Testing

Date of Decision: October 14, 2026

Registrant's Role: Pharmacist

Allegations:

On 22 February 2022, the registrant placed a used COVID-19 testing swab back into its packaging.
Between 11 and 22 February 2022, on unknown dates, the registrant failed to keep records of COVID-19 tests completed at the pharmacy or records of courier services used for those tests.
During that period, the registrant issued Fit to Fly certificates stating that Circular 1 Health’s testing service had found patients’ rapid antigen tests negative for COVID-19.
The registrant accepted only cash payments for COVID-19 tests and recorded the cash received as “no sale”.
The registrant acted dishonestly by knowing that tests conducted at the pharmacy were not, or would not be, tested by Circular 1 Health and that the Fit to Fly certificates supplied to patients were not legitimate.
On 22 February 2022, the registrant used a PCR swab kit from Fit2Fly 24/7 Limited at the pharmacy and told a GPhC inspector that the pharmacy used “24/7” services to process tests.
On 24 February 2022, the registrant emailed a GPhC inspector stating that the registrant had not realised UKAS accreditation was required for taking swabs and had now applied for accreditation.
The statement that an application had been made was dishonest because the registrant knew no application for the relevant UKAS accreditation had been submitted.
Between February 2021 and February 2022, the registrant failed to ensure that the pharmacy’s testing services were accredited with UKAS and/or to make an application to UKAS.

Outcome: Existing conditions of practice were continued for a further six months.

GPhC Standards Breached:

Standard 1 – Pharmacy professionals must provide person-centred care
Standard 2 – Pharmacy professionals must work in partnership with others.
Standard 4 – Pharmacy professionals must maintain, develop and use their professional knowledge and skills.
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 concerns a pharmacist whose misconduct involved COVID-19 testing services, illegitimate Fit to Fly certificates, inadequate records and dishonest information supplied to a GPhC inspector. At the review hearing on 14 October 2026, the central question was whether the registrant had demonstrated sufficient remediation to return to unrestricted practice.

The original findings included placing a used testing swab back into its packaging, failing to keep records of completed tests and courier services, and issuing certificates stating that Circular 1 Health had found patients’ rapid antigen tests negative. The registrant knew that tests conducted at the pharmacy were not, or would not be, tested by that provider and that the certificates were not legitimate.

Continue Reading the Full Case

Create a free account or log in to access the complete case summary.

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

Register for Free or Log In

Original Case Document

The original determination document is available to registered users.