Dispensing error resulting in Jail Sentence

[johnep]

With regard to the copy of the script, this is already recorded on the white form. What we could do is to underline item(s) dispensed at that time. That is , if we see the white form.
johnep

[Defblade]

so why aren't sanctions brought against the pct for insisting that a pharmacist be present in the pharmacy for the full 100 hours with no break, as is the case with my current location? Store and head office management insist we take a break, but how can we if the pct insist otherwise and threaten to take away the contract?

The PCT insist on it because the contractor promised that that would be the case (ie full service for all the 100 hours) in order to receive the contract. How the contractor intends to fulfill the terms of their contract (which would appear to require a 2nd pharmacist to cover breaks) is up to them, not the PCT. But of course, all the contractors have gone in expecting the frontliners to cover their promises.

[DavidS]

Say it could have happened to anyone!!

Shouldn't we be saying that that 10 hour shifts and a contract that doesn't allow a pharmacy to close in the event of staff shortages is inherently unsafe.

If a contractor allows people to work 10 hour shifts without a break - they are IMO increasing the level of risk and should be expected to be held accountable when that decision to increase the level of risk goes pear shaped.

Jeff

I make mistakes - not often! - working normal hours. so does every human being. Your post is an example of one of yours!

I was absolutely incandescent with anger that Tescos were not mentioned in the judgement, and brought into the case. Of course they shared responsibility. Of course I'm probably only talking moral responsibility, not "Responsible" responsibility as would seem to be going to be the case in October.

Does the fact that a contract insists on 10 hours without a break mean that it is unfair and hence unenforceable? I can't afford to test it, so I don't accept any of these bookings. Cue the RPSGB for a test case?

Also, referring to the criminal record aspect of this, does anyone know how errors are treated in other countries?

[Pharmanaut]

The PCT insist on it because the contractor promised that that would be the case (ie full service for all the 100 hours) in order to receive the contract. How the contractor intends to fulfill the terms of their contract (which would appear to require a 2nd pharmacist to cover breaks) is up to them, not the PCT. But of course, all the contractors have gone in expecting the frontliners to cover their promises.

This is really awful for everyone concerned.
I feel for the patients relatives and the pharmacist.

As for the contract, that's also my understanding.
The 100 hours must be operated as a 'lawfully conducted retail pharmacy'.
How this is done is up to the contractor.
My view is that to expect an individual to concentrate 100% on a job that requires 100% attention to detail for a 10 hour stretch is irresponsible.

[Web Ferret]

My support goes to this pharmacist - This could happen to any of us. Shame on Tesco.

I'm not sure the RPSGB will/can do much given that this pharmacist has already resigned and considering their previous history of actually supporting pharmacists...

[DavidS]

I'm not sure the RPSGB will/can do much given that this pharmacist has already resigned and considering their previous history of actually supporting pharmacists...

Well let's hope they remember that at the time of the incident she was a card carrying member of the society, which has still woefully failed to give any kind of firm line, in either of its capacities, as to what constitutes understaffing and the consequences as far as the superintendent pharmacist and the pharmacy business itself are concerned if such understaffing is condoned, resulting in such terrible disasters.

The RPSGB make great noises about having a duty to protect the public, yet is it not an unseen open running suppurating infected sore that understaffing is not being dealt with by the society in any visible way?

[Fleegle]

This was always the unthinkable accident waiting to happen.

My heart goes out to this lady who became the scapegoat of decades of unregulated practice, who did the 10 hour shift, probably against her better judgement. It must be highlighted here that many pharmacists, including locums work shifts of up to (and probably more than) 13 hours without a proper break.

I know because I have done them. Why do companies expect fellow professionals to agree to this ridiculously dangerous practice? Can any proprietor (including you guys from the multiples who think we believe you're students) on this forum who expect their employees to work these hours give me a valid reason why? I know there will be no response, as there is no justification whatsoever as it is of course, highly illegal, except in the case of a locum, which is probably why this whole thing happened in the first place..the locum took the chance...and lost.

I notice the society, and the NPA (the regulatory bodies) are conspicuous by their absence in this, as every case of this nature, simply because yet again, they have failed to regulate; to act in the best interests of their fee-paying members. A curious invisibility, don't you think?

Their attitude? Say nothing and it will go away. I'm not inviting anyone to be a martyr here. I am merely suggesting you all bear in mind strongly what has just happened to your colleague, and make damn sure it doesn't happen to you...especially locum pharmacists who think they're onto a good deal..we're all only human.

If no-one agreed to do a 10 to 13 hour shift, then there wouldn't be any to do.

There is, of course a hell of a lot more to be said regarding this, but I'll leave it there for now. All members of the forum...please post your thoughts on this matter. A miscarriage of justice such as this must never happen to a member of our profession again.

Keep the faith.

Fleegle.

[admin]

Hi All

I can see where people get the idea that you should kind of "just say no" to the conditions you feel are unacceptable, but in practice that is a hard thing to do I find, being a locum myself.

If I had a pound...lol...for every time I have asked when do I get my lunch and the answer is "you don't", or for every time I've been told by an agency it's open 8.30am to 5.30pm to find it's 6.30pm (we're on rota this week though, it's 7.30pm) I would never work again as I'd be rich.

If I walked away from every pharmacy that has "a person on long term sick, our staffing levels are cut to the bone - no they haven't been replaced" or "it's just the two of you in the dispensary today - it's our busiest day we do over 500 items" I would walk away from most of the work I do.

The work in community is awful in a lot of pharmacies, it really is. Add to that the problems with the public, addicts, shop lifters etc and there is no wonder people crack and make an error. Or just loose their concentration, and forget to take that "mental break" before checking a prescription.

I actually filmed someone last week on my mobile phone (secretly of course) because I honestly thought he was going to attack me. I thought it might be useful as evidence. Then I remembered the customer from one shop I regularly work at (a nice lad) who was beaten up outside a pub, and was on the floor unconscious as his attacker kept punching him in the face repeatedly until he was dead. He punched him until he died - just think about that for a second. Any reasonable person knows if you keep hitting someone in the face with your fist, they will eventually die. That is not an accident.

His killer got his murder charge reduced to manslaughter and was sentenced to two years. Now think about that for a second. He served just over a year with good behaviour. Yes folks, a young mans life is worth a year of your time in good old blighty.

That made me think "what the hell am I doing? If he beats me to a pulp he'll get a 40 quid fine".

Please don't think retail is easy, and don't think you can walk away if everything is not exactly as it should be. You will only end up on the dole.

If anyone has any ideas on how to change this I'm up for just about anything.

[lamzee]

I'd be interested to know how "open plan" the tesco pharmacy was, and whether the dispensing bench was within shouting/distracting range of the counter. These big firms need to realise that "accessible" also means "distractible".

[DavidS]

I have posted a second time on PJOnline, following Graeme Stafford's request that all of us give our feelings, even if they are "just" what has been said before.

Graeme has actually suggested

I suggest she is asked to speak at the upcoming Workplace Pressure seminar and paid as an outside speaker.

Furthermore I suggest she is appointed as the Society's Workplace Pressure Czar so that she has gainful employment until she can be rightfully restored to the Register.

what fantastic vision, although I would doubt that Mrs Lee feels like spending any more time at Lambeth than she has to, at the moment.

Elaine, with your position here and great experience as a locum pharmacist - not to mention your recent experiences which you have yet to speak openly about, might dare to post giving a flavour of the comments made by members, staff and students on this forum. I dare you to include a link!

I have said that, in my post there, I will be waiting to hear what the candidates in the society elections intend to DO about helping us avoid this situation again, before placing my vote. I'm sure Linnear wouldn't have had a pboblem speaking out.

Former locum handed suspended jail term for dispensing error | PJ Online