Pharmacy Technician Suspended for Falsifying Controlled Drug Records

Date of Decision: May 8, 2025

Registrant's Role: Pharmacy technician

Allegations:

Falsified multiple entries in Controlled Drug (CD) registers, including adding fictional stock and altering quantities.
Made false entries about CD supplies to patients who had not received medication.
Failed to ensure amendments were witnessed, as required by law.
Conduct was found to be dishonest, though not for personal gain.
Occurred over several months while working under pressure and without support.

Outcome: 3-month suspension

GPhC Standards Breached:

Standard 2 – Work in partnership with others
Standard 3 – Communicate effectively
Standard 5 – Use professional judgement
Standard 8 – Speak up when things go wrong

Case Summary

The registrant was a pharmacy technician employed at a hospital operated by the Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust who:

Made repeated false entries in the CD register across a wide range of drugs including morphine (MST), Longtec, Shortec, Tranquilyn, Medikinet, and methylphenidate.
Fabricated deliveries and patient supplies, such as claiming tablets were supplied or returned when they were not.
Attempted to correct register balances by adding or subtracting arbitrary numbers of tablets.
Recorded false balance checks and entries over several months in 2021–2022.
Failed to have changes witnessed, as is legally required for CD records.

The GPhC proved 16 separate allegations, including dishonesty regarding entries she knew to be false.

Findings

The Committee found:

The registrant had full knowledge that her entries were false.
She stated that her intent was to fix the CD register and that she was under pressure, unsupported, and afraid to seek help.
Her dishonesty was not for personal gain, but to avoid getting into trouble and being disliked.
Nevertheless, her conduct was objectively dishonest under professional standards.

“Her actions were dishonest by the standards of ordinary decent people.”
“There were a large number of dishonest incidents over several months.”

GPhC Determination on Impairment

The GPhC determined that:

Her misconduct posed a risk to public safety, especially where controlled drugs are involved.
She had breached core professional standards and undermined confidence in the profession.
The behaviour was capable of remediation, but insight was limited.
She had worked without further incidents since, but under systems that made repetition less likely.
The Committee could not be assured she would not repeat the behaviour in a similarly stressful environment.

Sanction

The GPhC considered and rejected:

No action or warning – due to the seriousness of dishonesty and ongoing risk.
Conditions of registration – not sufficient to guarantee patient safety or address public concern.

They imposed a 3-month suspension, finding this:

Reflected the seriousness of repeated, dishonest conduct involving controlled drugs.
Gave time for further reflection and remediation.
Avoided losing a pharmacy technician with potential for rehabilitation.

“Suspension was the least restrictive outcome that would sufficiently protect the public and uphold public confidence.”

Key Learning Points for Pharmacy Professionals

Controlled drug records must be accurate, honest, and witnessed.
Dishonesty, even without theft or personal gain, is a serious breach of trust.
Workplace stress is never an excuse for falsifying records.
Speaking up and seeking support is essential when systems break down or errors occur.
Pharmacy professionals must develop strategies for ethical decision-making under pressure.

Conclusion

This case is a powerful reminder of the importance of accuracy and honesty in managing controlled drug records. The registrant’s actions were serious and repeated, but the GPhC recognised her potential to improve and return to safe practice. A 3-month suspension with review allows time for deeper reflection and assurance that similar conduct will not be repeated.

Original Case Document

The full determination transcript is available to logged in users.