Bangor Woman fined for Unlawful supply of Prescription Drugs
Date published:
A 49-year-old Bangor woman was today sentenced at Downpatrick Crown Court for multiple breaches of the Human Medicines Regulations and Fraud Act for unlawfully possessing prescription medicines with intent to supply, supplying prescription medicines and fraud by false representation.
Registered Nurse Prescriber Nichola Hawes of Groomsport Road, Bangor pleaded guilty to 25 charges and received fines totaling £8000.
The charges followed a Department of Health Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) investigation into medicines prescribing and supply activities at Nichola Hawes Aesthetics Clinic in Bangor, Co Down. MRG established that between 2021 and 2022 prescription medicines were prescribed for people without their knowledge or consent. It was also established that Nichola Hawes had supplied various medicinal products to clients using medicines prescribed and dispensed for other patients. The prescription medicines included botox and drugs for weight-loss.
Peter Moore, the Medicines Regulatory Group Senior Medicines Enforcement Officer who directed the investigation said: “This investigation established that a registered Nurse Independent Prescriber operating in the private aesthetics sector unlawfully by-passed the regulated system, put in place to ensure the integrity of the medicines supply chain. Today’s conviction sends a clear message that there are significant consequences for those who choose to act outside the legal and regulated system.
Following today’s conviction, the matter will now be further referred to the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC), the regulatory and professional body for Nurses in Northern Ireland.”
Aaron McKendry, Interim Head of the Medicines Regulatory Group, added: “This investigation demonstrates that the public can be assured that those prescribing or supplying prescription medicines to the public in Northern Ireland are subject to Departmental inspection and compliance visits to ensure that they continue to operate safely and within the law. Where that doesn’t occur, we will take effective action where necessary to protect public safety in Northern Ireland.”
Notes to editors:
- Concerns or suspicions about the unlawful use of medicines can be reported to DoH Medicines Regulatory Group at MRGCaseReferrals@health-ni.gov.uk
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