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“Well it might be easy to dismiss some of these charges as ‘administrative’ failures on the part of the Respondents, the Discipline Committee does not share that sentiment,” read the decision. “The failures on behalf of the Respondents are putting the public at risk… Each aspect of the Respondents misconduct leads to patient harm, including the apparent gaps in Mr. Woo’s basic knowledge and understanding.”

As part of the decision, Woo’s license has been suspended until he successfully completes the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination provided by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada.

Upon reinstatement of his licence Woo must practice under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist approved by the college registrar for 160 hours at his own cost.

The proprietor’s permit for Dewdney Drugs is also subject to a number of conditions, including three years of annual inspections by a college field officer. Continued operation of the pharmacy is only allowed if a licensed pharmacist chosen by the registrar

Woo and Dewdney Drugs (1986) Ltd. is also on the hook for $42,000 to help cover investigation and hearing costs, which must be paid no later than six months from the date of the decision.

According to the decision, Woo was not present during the hearings and did not submit any evidence through his legal counsel and no evidence was provided to contradict the evidence presented by the witnesses detailed in the decision.

Dewdney Drugs, located at 3034 Dewdney Avenue, closed its doors last week.

As of Wednesday a sign on the door read “The pharmacy will be temporarily closed until further notice. If you need your prescriptions filled, please go see your doctor or do to your nearest pharmacy. Sorry for the inconvenience.”

This is not the first time Woo has had to answer to a discipline committee. In May 2017 he was disciplined for charges that were similar to some of the changes he faced in this decision.

jackerman@postmedia.com