NHS England has suspended the contract of a Kent pharmacy at the centre of a fraud investigation, C+D has learned.

Newington Pharmacy in Ramsgate is barred from providing any NHS pharmacy services – including dispensing prescriptions – for six months, NHS England South told C+D last week (January 28). 

Peter Tucker, counter fraud officer at fraud investigation company TIAA, confirmed that Kent police arrested two men and one woman on January 11 in connection with the investigation. The individuals are currently on bail until April "pending further enquiries", he told C+D.

Mr Tucker, who is leading the investigation, could not confirm whether any of those arrested are connected with the pharmacy.

Pharmacy open for private prescriptions

A member of the pharmacy's staff said the team will allow TIAA to “investigate fairly and take the necessary steps”.

The pharmacy remains open and is still able to dispense private prescriptions, they told C+D today (February 1).

What can pharmacies do to protect themselves from crime?

We want to hear your views, but please express them in the spirit of a constructive, professional debate. For more information about what this means, please click here to see our community principles and information