Key Summary
- GPhC has struck pharmacy technician Tom Hennebry off the register following a conviction for Class A drug possession and drug use while on duty.
- Despite two previous suspensions, the committee found Hennebry had failed to provide any evidence of rehabilitation.
- The regulator concluded that the risk of repetition remained high.
A pharmacy technician employed at a hospital pharmacy was struck off the register by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) for taking cocaine on the hospital premises.
The regulator found that Tom Hennebry’s fitness-to-practise was impaired after he failed to provide evidence that his drug use had been addressed or that he posed no risk to the public.
The incident occurred on May 10, 2023, while Hennebry was working at St Pancras Hospital. Following the discovery that he was under the influence of cocaine, he was subsequently convicted at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court in August 2023 for possession of a Class A controlled drug.
He had previously served two suspensions totalling 18 months; however, his removal from the register comes as his current suspension was due to expire this month.
The committee noted with concern that Hennebry, who did not attend the hearing, had shown a significant lack of "insight" into his behaviour.
The committee stated that there was a risk of repetition and there was a complete lack of information regarding whether Hennebry was still using illicit drugs or if he had undertaken any form of treatment.
Hennebry also expressed his intention not to continue his career in pharmacy.
Removing him from the register, the committee declared his actions "fundamentally incompatible with being a registered pharmacy professional."
