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A pharmacist who took prescription-only medicines containing codeine for her personal use from the pharmacy where she worked has been suspended for five months.

A General Pharmaceutical Council fitness-to-practise committee hearing found Julie Wassall took the medicines while working at Milton’s Chemists in Stoke on Trent between May and August 2024.

She admitted taking Omeprazole on one occasion in August 2024 “to alleviate heartburn”. She also took six packs of Naramig 2.5mg tablets on May 15 and four packs on three other occasions, July 20 and 30 and August 16.

The committee heard Wassall removed Solpadol and Solpadeine from the pharmacy’s stock and ordered Naramig 2.5mg tablets without patient prescriptions.

She admitted taking the medicines during a disciplinary meeting and was sacked. The committee heard that on one occasion, Wassall remarked she was “stealing drugs again” as she put tablets into a carrier bag but insisted it was meant as a joke. The committee also reviewed CCTV footage.

It found she breached two standards covering pharmacy professionals behaving in a professional manner and demonstrating leadership.

The committee took into account her previous good character, references, remorse for her actions and the fact her “misconduct took place over a short duration”.

However, it said she had “made limited reflections on what she has done to address all the issues presented” and gave her a five-month suspension.

“It is hoped the length of time would allow for Ms Wassall to undertake further professional and personal development,” the committee said.