Wayne Baker reaction release - Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand

MEDIA RELEASE
15 August 2011
Guild praises actions of whistleblowing locum
The Guild is praising the actions of the locum pharmacist who alerted the Ministry of Health to
false claims being made by the pharmacy co-owned by convicted Auckland pharmacist, Wayne
Baker.
Baker pleaded guilty in the Auckland District Court last week to 95 charges of defrauding the
Auckland DHB by submitting nearly $70,000 in false claims for payment.
Guild President, Karen Crisp, says she is encouraged the locum pharmacist acted responsibly
when they suspected fraudulent behaviour at the Mt Albert pharmacy.
“The vast majority of pharmacists and their staff are dedicated and honest. They are
committed to the welfare of their patients. It is a shame that a case like this tarnishes the
entire profession.
“The Guild does everything it can to provide its members with the resources to ensure they
comply with their professional and legal obligations and this case has been very disappointing
for community pharmacy.”
Ms Crisp says it is also encouraging that Wayne Baker has repaid the amount he had received
for making the fraudulent claims, although it should not have happened in the first place.
“Members of the public will be particularly concerned that he used the names of deceased
patients to claim payments.”
Ms Crisp said the case does highlight the need for pharmacists to take responsibility for their
colleagues as well as themselves. This means both formal and informal actions to ensure their
colleagues meet the standards they expect of themselves.
Baker has been remanded on bail and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11.
ENDS
Media Contact: Karen Crisp - 027 434 2301
Annabel Young - 027 440 9160 or 04 802 8201

Notes:
The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (Inc) is a national membership organisation
representing community pharmacy owners. We provide leadership on all issues
affecting the sector and we advocate for the business interests of community
pharmacy.
For additional information on the Guild and community pharmacy, please go to
www.pgnz.org.nz.