A case study of what not to do in your pharmacy

In circumstances where a pharmacist or any health practitioner finds themselves experiencing difficulties they should seek immediately help from other health professionals as required. In a recent decision of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) a pharmacist admitted to not handling stress very well and engaging in conduct that in their words was “pretty stupid”.

In this case the conduct was deliberate and premeditated, occurred over a period of time and the pharmacist in question used their specialised knowledge to inflict harm on a work colleague. They also engaged in uninvited conduct and unwelcome behaviour of a personal and physical nature. The pharmacist was criminally charged in relation to this conduct and failed to report this to AHPRA in the manner required by law. 

The pharmacist was found guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct and not suitable to hold registration as a pharmacist.  As part of its findings the NCAT found that the pharmacist “presently poses a substantial risk to the health of members of the public.”

The full decision is available at NSW Caselaw