The General Pharmaceutical Council received 24 whistleblowing reports from individuals working in pharmacies between April 2023 and March 2024, according to a new report. 

The 2023-24 healthcare regulators whistleblowing disclosures report, which was published earlier this week, revealed that of the 24 information disclosures made to the GPhC – three more than in 2022-2 – five are still under review. 

Fourteen cases were closed after information was shared with GPhC inspectors, while one was signposted to another organisation and three “were investigated and concluded with no further action,” said the regulator.  

“Two concerns from the previous reporting period were concluded with no further action, with a further concern concluded with guidance,” it added. 

The GPhC said: “The action we took included a full investigation through established fitness to practise processes and follow-up action through our inspection network.  

“The former can result in any available outcome under the FtP process. The latter can include guidance, a follow-up visit or an unannounced inspection.”

Healthcare regulators are required to publish their whistleblowing disclosure reports on an annual basis. In 2023-24, the Nursing and Midwifery Council received the highest number of disclosures at 149, followed by the General Dental Council at 79. 

The General Chiropractic Council received the fewest disclosures at just two.