Supermarket Pharmacist Removed from Register After Years of Sexually Inappropriate Conduct Toward Colleague

Date of Decision: May 9, 2019

Registrant's Role: Pharmacist

Allegations:

• Sexually inappropriate touching of a female colleague, including pressing genitals against her, slapping her bottom, and stroking her leg
• Coercing a colleague to sit on his lap for help with coursework
• Invading the colleague’s personal space and making inappropriate comments
• Exploiting a position of professional power over a vulnerable employee
• Sexual motivation behind repeated boundary violations spanning multiple years

Outcome: Erasure from the GPhC register

GPhC Standards Breached:

• Standard 3 – Show respect for others
• Standard 3.9 – Maintain proper professional boundaries in your relationships with patients and others that you come into contact with during the course of your professional practice and take special care when dealing with vulnerable people
• Standard 6.2 – Do not abuse your professional position or exploit the vulnerability or lack of knowledge of others
• Standard 6.5 – Meet accepted standards of personal and professional conduct
• Standard 6.6 – Comply with legal and professional requirements and accepted guidance on professional practice

Case Summary

Original Case Document