A PHARMACIST wants to open at a new site on Portland to fill the void left by Boots.

Stephen McGonigle has applied to NHS Dorset to open a new pharmacy in the Underhill area following the closure of the Boots Pharmacy in Fortuneswell.

Fortuneswell Boots had a history of more than 100 years and was described as a “local institution” before it closed on Friday, February 16 - despite efforts to try and reverse the decision.

The closure means the the only pharmacy on the island of 14,000 residents now is the Boots Pharmacy in Easton on the top of Portland. 

Read more: Sadness as Boots Pharmacy in Fortuneswell, Portland closes

This has worried residents of Portland, who have questioned whether the Easton pharmacy would be able to handle the increased demand, and say it poses a geographic burden on some residents.

Read more: Residents voice anger at meeting on pharmacy closure

Now independent pharmacist Mr McGonigle, who works around south and west Dorset, wants to open a pharmacy on Portland to fill the gap.

He said: "I have always had the idea to open a pharmacy on Portland. I have always known how busy Easton is and I know there is potential.

"Because of the closure of the Boots, there is a gap. There is a demand on the island."

Currently, the application is in the early stages and no location has been decided. Mr McGonigle is hoping to potentially be open by Christmas.

News of the application has been welcomed by the Portland Town Council.

A spokesperson said: "We have maintained that a pharmacy in Underhill is an essential healthcare facility for the community.

"Councillors recognised the immense detrimental impact that the closure will have and have continued to make official representation to local and national authorities including Government, NHS Dorset, the Dorset Health and Wellbeing board, and the Commissioner of Pharmaceutical Services.

"Portland Town Council welcomes an application for a new pharmacy in Underhill."

Mr McGonigle says his application is supported by the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment by Public Health Dorset which shows a need for two pharmacies on the island. He also hopes to include new services made possible by Pharmacy First to give direct care for common conditions.

A spokesperson for NHS Dorset said: “We are unable to confirm anything at this time.”