Pharmacist’s Suspension Lapses After Conviction Review

Date of Decision: April 11, 2024

Registrant's Role: Pharmacist

Allegations:

Review of 12-month suspension

Outcome: Current order to lapse upon expiry (17 April 2024)

GPhC Standards Breached:

Standard 6: Behave in a professional manner
Standard 9: Demonstrate leadership

Case Summary

A GPhC Fitness to Practise review hearing was conducted to assess whether a pharmacist, previously suspended following a conviction, remained impaired and required further restrictions. The registrant had been serving a 12-month suspension, which was due to expire on 17 April 2024. The hearing was convened to determine whether the order should be extended or allowed to lapse.

The registrant attended the hearing via remote video link and was legally represented.

Key Issues

The committee considered:

Whether the concerns that led to the original suspension had been adequately addressed.
Whether the registrant had demonstrated insight and remediation.
Whether their fitness to practise remained impaired.

The panel noted that the registrant had provided evidence of remediation and professional development, indicating an understanding of the seriousness of the original concerns. There were no new allegations or concerns regarding their professional conduct.

Outcome

The committee concluded that the registrant’s fitness to practise was no longer impaired and that an extension of the suspension was unnecessary. The original order was allowed to lapse upon expiry, meaning the registrant would be permitted to resume practice without further restrictions.

Learning Points for Pharmacy Professionals

Engagement in the regulatory process is essential, as demonstrating insight and remediation can lead to reinstatement.
A suspension does not always lead to removal from the register—pharmacists who comply with conditions and show genuine improvement may return to practice.
The GPhC will only restore fitness to practise if public confidence in the registrant has been re-established.
Legal representation can support a registrant’s case by ensuring they present sufficient evidence of professional rehabilitation.

Original Case Document

The full determination transcript is available to logged in users.