Debbie

Wisconsin pharmacist accused of stealing pills to fuel drug addiction
Associated Press

Article Last Updated: 12/31/2007 08:12:49 AM CST


FOND DU LAC, Wis. - A senior pharmacist accused of stealing 1,100 pills from his workplace to fuel a suspected drug addiction won't be fired, according to the hospital that employs him, but he may face legal charges.

The 36-year-old Fond du Lac man allegedly took 880 Vicodin painkiller pills and 220 Ambien sleeping pills from the St. Agnes Hospital between July and December, according to a Fond du Lac police report. The pills have an estimated wholesale cost of $2,000.

The hospital and police have been investigating since a pharmacy employee reported the missing pills to police Dec. 17, the report said. Agnesian HealthCare reported Thursday it would not prosecute the man, although the district attorney could still seek charges.

The hospital chose not to press charges because it tries "to help employees who are coping with personal issues get the help they need," hospital spokeswoman Ann Brantmeier said.

According to the police report, the man admitted he started stealing the pills about two years ago to help him cope with pain from surgery. He said he became addicted and stole about four pills a day, the report said.

The man denied selling or distributing any of the drugs, the report said.

Brantmeier said the man is still employed there and is receiving assistance for his addiction.

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Capt Bluesman

I hope this person truly does get help and can free himself from his addiction.

bonehead

This is like having an alcoholic bartender. I do not know how the hospital can trust him.

Capt Bluesman

You would be quite unpleasantly surprised at the number of health care workers that have substance problems. The easy access to drugs coupled with high pressure working conditions only too often leads to such problems. Another reason that I'm in favor of not allowing intern/resident programs to impose such punishing hours on their members.

Debbie

Am surprised that no one figured out this much was missing before now, but maybe he did all the inventory? Someone who is familiar with pharmacy procedures could perhaps help with the answer?

bonehead

I am not surprised. Aghast would be the better word. We desperately need our healthcare providers to work sane hours. I also do not want a doctor diagnosing/operating on me while under the influence.

jame$thegreat

What I don't get is why he took the weak/cheap pills. In most cases the pharmacists who loot the inventory take all the OxyContins first the last thing they would take is Viccoden or Ambien...

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bonehead

That is the difference between stealing to sell and stealing for personal use. This guy just took what he needed.

jame$thegreat

But it would be far less obvious to steal 300 Oxycontins than 1100 Viccoden. And instead of Ambien which is a controlled substance that is well known he could take an equal number Seroquil. He could be a little more discreet with a choice of different pharmiceuticals is all I'm saying...