Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality Profile March 2025

Introduction

Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality has no gaps and is in Dorset Council. It is largely urban with a higher proportion of working age people compared to the Dorset Council average. The area has high levels of deprivation with 9 areas amongst the most 20% deprived in England. Housing growth will be seen Littlemoor and Preston, Westham, Rodwell and Wyke and Chickerell provided these developments are completed.

An analysis of health and the wider determinants of health highlights poor outcomes for cancer, coronary heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, hypertension, COPD, asthma, hospital stays for self-harm, self-reported limiting long-term illness and deaths from causes considered preventable.

There are currently 16 pharmacies within the locality as of January 2025.

The following headings have been used to describe the PNA Locality in more detail:

  • number of pharmacies, openings hours and services
  • demographics
  • housing
  • deprivation
  • health and wider determinants

Figure 1: Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality map

This image is a detailed map of Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality. The icons on the map represent the locations of: 100 Hours Community Pharmacy (purple cross icon), 40 Hours Community Pharmacy (green cross icon), Dispensing Appliance Contractor (yellow cross icon), Distance Selling Pharmacy (orange cross icon), Closed Pharmacy (red cross with circle around it), Neighbouring 100 Hours Community Pharmacy (purple house with white cross), Neighbouring 40 Hours Community Pharmacy (green house with white cross), Neighbouring Dispensing Appliance Contractor (yellow house with white medical bag), Neighbouring Distance Selling Pharmacy (orange house with white computer screen) and GP Practice/GP Dispensing Practice (blue building with windows and door).

A map showing Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality with various icons represent the locations of 100 hour community pharmacies, 40 hour community pharmacies, Dispensing Appliance Contractor, Distance Selling Pharmacies and GP Dispensing Practices.

Number of pharmacies

As of January 2025, there are 16 pharmacies in Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality. There are no practices or branches of practices with dispensing doctors providing drugs and appliances to their own patients.

Of the 16 pharmacies, there are:

  • 15 providing Pharmacy First services
  • 4 independent pharmacies
  • 12 pharmacies owned by national pharmacy chains: 3 by Boots Pharmacy, 3 by Well Pharmacy, 2 by Rowlands Pharmacy, one by Asda Pharmacy, one by Day Lewis Pharmacy, one by Jhoots Pharmacy and one by Morrisons Pharmacy
  • 15 pharmacies with 40-hour contracts and one pharmacy with 72-hour contract. The 72-hour pharmacy is Asda Pharmacy, Newstead Road, Weymouth
  • no distance-selling pharmacy
  • no pharmacies with local pharmaceutical services contracts
  • no dispensing appliance contractors (DAC)

The table below shows the provision in Weymouth and Portland Locality since the last PNA was published. There is no national expectation or standard on the ratio of pharmacies to population. These ratios do not consider the size and staffing of pharmacies which will determine the size of the population they are able to serve.

Number and rate of pharmacies and items dispensed in Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality, 2021/22 to 2024/25 (8 months).

Table 1: Pharmacy provision in Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality

Table listing annual pharmacy provision and dispensing activity in a Dorset locality, showing population figures, number of pharmacies, and items dispensed per head from 2021/22 to 2024/25.
Financial year Area Population Number of pharmacies in latest month of FY Pharmacies per 100,000 population Number of dispensed items Items dispensed per head
2021/22 Locality 73,555 17 23.1 1,722,884 23.4
2022/23 Locality 73,403 18 24.5 1,707,974 23.3
2023/24 Locality 73,403 16 21.8 1,703,193 23.2
2024/25 (8 months) Locality - 17 - 1,124,213 -
2023/24 Dorset 384,809 68 17.7 7,227,720 18.8
2023/24 South West 5,811,259 1,107 19.0 99,164,702 17.1
2023/24 England 57,690,323 12,009 20.8 1,112,920,890 19.3

Source: NHS Business Services Authority

Notes: Populations for locality and local authority are based on ONS mid-year population estimates. The population for each financial year is taken as the mid-year estimate for the first of the 2 years that make up the financial year. For example, for 2021/22 the population is taken as the mid-year estimate for 2021. If that year is not yet available, the latest available year is used.

Number of items dispensed

The total number of items dispensed in this locality so far in 2024/25 is 1,124,213. Of the total number of items dispensed in this locality:

  • 98.4% were prescriptions from GPs located in the same locality
  • 0.26% were prescribed from GPs in Mid Dorset Locality
  • 0.08% were prescribed from GPs in East Dorset Locality
  • 0.06% were prescribed from GPs in North Dorset Locality
  • 0.05% were prescribed from GPs in West Dorset Locality
  • 0.03% were prescribed from GPs in Purbeck
  • 1.13% of items were prescribed from GPs outside of Dorset based localities

The dispensing proportions are highlighted in the pie chart.

Figure 2: Proportion of disposed items from Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality

The image contains a pie chart illustrating the distribution of dispensed pharmacy items in Weymouth and Portland. The pie chart breaks down the regional distribution: 98.4% from Weymouth and Portland, 0.26% from Mid Dorset, 0.08% from East Dorset, 0.06% from North Dorset, 0.05% from West Dorset, 0.03% from Purbeck and 1.13% from outside the area. A legend next to the chart assigns colours to each locality: Weymouth and Portland (green), Outside (purple), Mid Dorset (pink), East Dorset (light green), North Dorset (yellow), West Dorset (dark yellow/brown), and Purbeck (grey).

Pie chart showing regional distribution: 98.4% Weymouth and Portland, 0.26% Mid Dorset, 0.08% East Dorset, 0.06% North Dorset, 0.05% West Dorset, 0.03% Purbeck and 1.13% Outside. Legend includes Weymouth and Portland (green), Outside (purple), Mid Dorset (pink), North Dorset (yellow), East Dorset (light green), West Dorset (light brown), Purbeck (grey).

Pharmacy opening times

Access to the essential services (core plus supplementary opening hours)

As of January 2025, in Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality, there are:

  • 3 pharmacies open 7 days a week
  • 7 pharmacies open 6 days a week
  • 6 pharmacies open 5 days a week
  • no pharmacies open before 8am at least 5 days a week
  • 2 pharmacies open past 6:30pm at least 5 days a week

The opening hours over the week are shown in the bar chart below, with darker bars showing there are more pharmacies open between 9am and 5:30pm on weekdays and 9am and 1pm on Saturday mornings.

Figure 3: Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality pharmacy coverage across the week, January 2025

The image is a bar chart illustrating pharmacy availability in Weymouth and Portland across the week. The x-axis shows time slots from 9am to 9pm, while the y-axis lists days from Monday to Sunday. Darker bars indicate higher numbers of pharmacies open at a given time.

Bar chart showing pharmacy availability by time and day. Darker bars indicate more pharmacies open. Weekdays show peak access from 9am to 5:30pm; Saturday has reduced hours; Sunday has minimum coverage.

Provision of services

Below is a summary of the provision of advanced and enhanced services in Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality as of January 2025:

  • New Medicine Service (NMS) accreditation: 15 pharmacies. In 2023/24 (the last full year of data), there were 6,434 NMSs undertaken
  • Specialist Medicines provider: no pharmacies
  • influenza vaccination: 14 pharmacies providing this advanced service
  • Appliance Use Reviews: no pharmacies providing this service. Many appliances will be dispensed by DACs based around the country, which may provide this service
  • NHS pharmacy contraception: 13 pharmacies providing this service
  • Lateral Flow Device test supply: 10 pharmacies providing this service
  • Hypertension Case-Finding: 14 pharmacies providing this service
  • stop smoking: 15 pharmacies providing this service

Demographics

Mid year resident population data show that there are approximately 73,400 people resident in the Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality (36,400 males and 37,000 females).

50% of its residents are female, 50% are male. 27% are 65 years and older.

Compared to the Dorset Council average, it has a lower proportion of people aged 15 to 19 and aged 65 and over. It has a higher proportion of people aged 20 to 59.

Figure 4: Population proportion by 5 years age group

The image is a population pyramid chart comparing the age and gender distribution of populations in England and Weymouth and Portland. The chart displays age groups in 5-year intervals from 0 to 4 up to 90+, with the x-axis showing the proportion (%) of the population. The green bars represent Weymouth and Portland, males are represented in dark green and females in light green. Overlay lines distinguish between national and local data: black lines for England and orange lines for Dorset.

Population pyramid chart showing age and gender distribution for England and Weymouth and Portland. Age groups range from 0–4 to 90+, with males in dark green and females in light green. Black lines represent England; orange lines represent Dorset. X-axis shows population proportion (%).
Source: Mid Year Population Estimates 2022

The area covered by the PNA Locality is largely urban with the highest population density around Melcombe Regis and Rodwell.

Over the next 3 years from 2025 to 2028 population projections suggest the population of Dorset overall will increase by 4,300 (1.1%). This growth is driven by increases in the population aged over 65, with the number of children and young people (aged 0 to 16), and working age population projected to decrease.

The number of over 65s are projected to increase by almost 8,200 thousand (7%) to 2028, compared to a decrease of around 1,900 (-3%) for children and young people aged 0 to 16. The working age population is forecasts to decline by just under 2,000 (-1%). By 2025 those aged 65 and over will account for a third of the overall population.

Figure 5: Population density of Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality

The image is a map illustrating population density across Weymouth and Portland Locality in mid-2022, measured in people per square kilometre. Areas are shaded in varying intensities of green to represent different density levels. The scale at the top ranges from 25 to 13,473 people per square kilometre.

Map showing population density in Weymouth and Portland Locality mid-2022, with areas shaded in green. Density ranges from 25 to 13,473 people per square kilometre. Darker green indicates higher population density.
 

Demographics (age, life expectancy and deprivation)

Source: Dorset Intelligence & Insight Service (DiiS) Primary Care - SystmOne, Office for National Statistics Population Estimates mid-2022 and Office for Health Improvement and Disparities

  • population count: 74,219
  • percentage of the population who are in each age group for the DiiS registered population: under 25= 24%, 25 to 64= 49%, 65 and over= 27%
  • percentage of the population who are in each age group as of the mid 2022 population estimates: under 25= 23%, 25 to 64= 50%, 65 and over= 27%
  • percentage of the population who are in the top 20% most deprived: 24%
  • percentage of the population who are in the top 20% of least deprived: 11%
  • female life expectancy for wards across Dorset: Melcome Regis= 78.6 years, Radipole= 81.8 years, Westham= 82.8 years, Chickerell= 83.0 years, Portland= 83.1 years, Rodwell and Wyke= 84.2 years
  • male life expectancy for wards across Dorset: Melcome Regis= 75.9 years, Westham= 76.9 years, Radipole= 78.7 years, Portland= 78.9 years, Chickerell= 80.1 years, Rodwell and Wyke= 80.5 years

Demographics (employment, unpaid care and household characteristics)

Source: Dorset Intelligence & Insight Service (DiiS) Primary Care - SystmOne, Census 2021 and Department for Work and Pensions

  • percentage of the economically active aged 16+ population in employment: 96%
  • percentage of the working age (16 to 64) population who are on out of work benefits: 15%
  • percentage of residents who are disabled under the Equality Act: 23%
  • percentage of the population aged 16+ who are economically inactive and long term sick or disabled: 5%
  • percentage of households who have ownership or shared ownership of their accommodation: 67%
  • percentage of households who have socially rented accommodation: 13%
  • percentage of households who privately rent or live rent free: 20%
  • percentage of households who have no car or van: 21%
  • percentage of households who are lone parent households: 10%
  • percentage of households who are lone pensioner households: 17%
  • percentage of residents aged 5 and over who provide unpaid care: 10%
  • percentage of the DiiS population who are informal carers: 4%

Housing

To understand any increases in demand for services based on planned housing developments, planning applications with consent to build to 2029 in BCP and Dorset have been analysed. Postcodes (or the nearest existing postcode to the development site) have been matched to Wards and then to PNA Locality.

This gives a realistic picture of housing growth within the Neighbourhood. The net level of development for this PNA Locality is approximately 1,841 dwellings. This is about 21% of the total net housing development for Dorset Council.

The main areas of proposed development in the PNA locality are predominantly Littlemoor and Preston (467), Westham (290), Rodwell and Wyke (259) and Chickerell (247).

Deprivation

The highest levels of deprivation in Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality are found around Weymouth Town, Melcombe Regis, Littlemoor, Rodwell, Westham and the Grove.

Here 9 lower super output areas (LSOAs) are amongst the 20% most deprived in England.

A further 10 LSOAs are amongst the 40% most deprived.

53% of its population live in the 20% most deprived areas of Dorset.

24% live in the 20% most deprived areas of England.

Figure 6: Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Decile for Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality

The image is a map illustrating the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Decile for Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality. It uses a gradient of green shades to represent deprivation levels, where darker greens indicate more deprived areas and lighter greens indicate less deprived areas. The decile scale ranges from 1 (most deprived) to 10 (least deprived). 

Map showing Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Decile for Weymouth and Portland PNA Locality. Darker green indicates more deprived areas (decile 1); lighter green indicates less deprived areas (decile 10). Scale ranges from 1 to 10.

Health and wider determinants

Long term conditions (LTCs)

Source: Dorset Intelligence & Insight Service (DiiS) Primary Care - SystmOne - 23 February 2025

  • population count: 74,219
  • population with 0 LTCs: 38%
  • population with 1 LTC: 20%
  • population with 2 LTCs: 13%
  • population with 3+ LTCs: 29%
  • percentage of the opted-in population who are frail: 15% - note this is for the opted in population only as of March 2024 with an update coming soon
  • percentage of the opted-in population aged 65+ who have a High Falls Risk: 1% - note this is for the opted in population only as of March 2024 with an update coming soon
  • percentage of the population who has each condition: other= 39%, depression= 25%, hypertension= 21%, asthma= 15%, diabetes= 8%, cancer=8%, diabetes Type 2= 7%, coronary heart disease= 5%, atrial fibrillation= 4%, COPD= 3%

Health and wellbeing

Source: Dorset Intelligence & Insight Service (DiiS) Primary Care - System One - 23 February 2025

  • population count: 74,219
  • percentage of the population are at risk of financial vulnerability: 18%
  • percentage of the population are at risk of social isolation: 18%
  • percentage of population at risk of digital exclusion: 19%
  • percentage of the population are smokers: 13%
  • percentage of the population aged 18+ and overweight or obese: 57%
  • percentage of the population in the Chronic life course segment: 49%
  • percentage of the population in the End of Life life course segment: 2%

Comparison with England average

To understand the health needs and wider determinants of health in the PNA Locality, a national profiling tool has been used. This compares local level data with the English average and highlights any areas that are significantly different.

The table below shows the data and for each indicator it highlights whether the value is lower or higher to national rates using a 99.8% confidence interval. An analysis of health needs within this PNA locality indicates a higher prevalence of several long-term conditions compared to the national average in England. These include cancer, coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, hypertension, asthma and dementia.

Table 2: Fingertips overview of health and wider determinants for Weymouth and Portland, 2023/24

This is a comparative table showing Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) prevalence rates for various health conditions across England, Weymouth and Portland Locality, and several GP practices for the year 2023/24. Conditions include cancer, coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, hypertension, COPD, asthma, diabetes, obesity, depression, mental health, and dementia. The table presents prevalence percentages for each condition, allowing comparison between national, regional, and local practice-level data.

Table legend:

  • all those without an asterisk = prevalence is higher than national average using a 99.8% confidence interval
  • * = prevalence is similar to the national average
  • ** = prevalence is lower than national average using a 99.8% confidence interval
Comparative table showing Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) prevalence rates for various health conditions across England, Weymouth and Portland Locality, and several GP practices for the year 2023/24.
Indicator Period England Weymouth and Portland PNA J81009 - Royal Manor Health Centre J81027 - Royal Crescent Surgery J81051 - Wyke Regis and Lanehouse Surgery J81073 - The Bridges Medical Centre J81075 - Cross Road Surgery J81613 - The Dorchester Rd Surgery
Cancer: QOF prevalence (Persons, All ages) 2023/24 3.6 5.2 5.3 5.2 4.8 5.1 5.6 5.5
CHD: QOF prevalence (Persons, All ages) 2023/24 3.0 4.9 4.7 5.1 5.1 5.2 4.6 4.0
Heart Failure: QOF prevalence (Persons, All ages) 2023/24 1.1 1.8 1.9 2.0 1.7 1.8 1.5 1.4 *
Atrial fibrillation: QOF prevalence (Persons, All ages) 2023/24 2.2 3.6 3.4 4.2 3.4 3.3 3.5 3.1
Stroke: QOF prevalence (Persons, All ages) 2023/24 1.9 2.7 2.7 2.8 2.8 2.7 2.5 2.3 *
Hypertension: QOF prevalence (Persons, All ages) 2023/24 14.8 19.9 19.5 20.6 20.4 19.1 19.5 19.8
COPD: QOF prevalence (Persons, All ages) 2023/24 1.9 3.3 3.8 3.1 3.8 3.2 2.9 2.6
Asthma: QOF prevalence (Persons, 6+ years) 2023/24 6.5 9.0 8.4 9.1 9.0 9.5 8.8 8.4
Diabetes: QOF prevalence (Persons, 17+ years) 2023/24 7.7 8.6 9.7 8.1 * 8.6 9.2 8.0 * 7.9 *
Obesity: QOF prevalence (Persons, 18+ years) 2023/24 12.8 14.2 22.8 13.1 * 11.4 ** 12.4 * 12.4 * 14.0 *
Depression: QOF prevalence (Persons, All ages) 2023/24 1.5 1.3 ** 1.3 * 1.7 * 0.8 ** 1.8 * 0.5 ** 0.8 **
Mental health: QOF prevalence (Persons, All ages) 2023/24 1.0 1.3 1.2 * 1.6 0.9 * 1.5 0.9 * 1.0 *
Dementia: QOF prevalence (Persons, All ages) 2023/24 0.8 1.0 0.5 ** 1.2 1.2 1.1 0.8 * 1.3

Source: National General Practice Profiles in Fingertips 2023/24

Local health

Local Health provides evidence of inequalities within local areas aggregated to represent this PNA Locality.

The table below shows the data and for each indicator it highlights whether the value is significantly different to national rates using a 95% confidence interval. An assessment of the wider determinants of health reveals significantly worse outcomes in several key areas. The locality experiences higher poverty levels for older people and income deprivation, more births from teenage mothers, a significantly higher incidence of cancer and prostate cancer, increased hospital admissions related to self-harm, more numbers of preventable deaths and a greater proportion of residents living with limiting long-term illness or disability.

Table 3: Local Health - Office for Health Improvement and Disparities overview of health and social indicators 2022

This table presents health and social indicators comparing Weymouth and Portland Locality to England's national averages. Indicators include income deprivation, child poverty, older people in poverty, overcrowded housing, teenage pregnancies, low birth weight, and emergency hospital admissions for various conditions. Each indicator is accompanied by:

  • selection value - the local area's data
  • England value national average
  • England worst/best: extremes across England comparison between England and area value
This table helps identify areas of concern or strength in local health outcomes compared to national benchmark.
Indicators Selection value England value England worst Difference England best
Income deprivation (%) 13.1 12.9 50.7 not significantly different to England 0.7
Child Poverty, Income Deprivation Affecting Children (%) 18.1 17.1 63.4 significantly worse than England 0.6
Older People in poverty, Income deprivation affecting older people (%) 11.5 14.2 77.2 significantly better than England 1.2
Older people living alone (%) 30.5 31.5 63.3 significantly better than England 10.0
Overcrowded houses (%) 6.2 8.7 54.4 significantly better than England 0.2
Deliveries to teenage mothers (%) 2.4 0.7 8.7 significantly worse than England 0.0
Low birth weight of live babies (%) 7.0 6.8 17.9 not significantly different to England 1.3
Emergency hospital admissions for all causes (SAR) 94.7 100.0 217.7 significantly better than England 32.1
Emergency hospital admissions for coronary heart disease (SAR) 92.3 100.0 353.1 significantly better than England 25.2
Emergency hospital admissions for stroke (SAR) 96.1 100.0 265.2 not significantly different to England 28.9
Emergency hospital admissions for Myocardial Infarction (heart attack) (SAR) 103.0 100.0 301.9 not significantly different to England 21.4
Emergency hospital admissions for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (SAR) 74.8 100.0 589.2 significantly better than England 0.0
Emergency hospital admissions for hip fractures, persons aged 65 years and over (SAR) 102.2 100.0 421.5 not significantly different to England 0.0
Incidence of all cancer (SIR per 100) 106.6 100.0 170.3 significantly worse than England 39.1
Incidence of breast cancer (SIR per 100) 98.7 100.0 225.9 not significantly different to England 32.6
Incidence of colorectal cancer (SIR per 100) 100.2 100.0 274.8 not significantly different to England 32.5
Incidence of lung cancer (SIR per 100) 97.0 100.0 384.2 not significantly different to England 20.7
Incidence of prostate cancer (SIR per 100) 124.7 100.0 232.9 significantly worse than England 22.7
Emergency hospital admissions for intentional self harm (SAR) 194.8 100.0 586.6 significantly worse than England 0.0
Hospital admissions for alcohol attributable conditions, (Narrow definition) (SAR) 83.7 100.0 470.8 significantly better than England 26.1
Hospital admissions for alcohol attributable conditions (Broad definition) (SAR) 84.2 100.0 478.1 significantly better than England 34.5
Limiting long-term illness or disability (%) 21.6 17.6 40.8 significantly worse than England 2.2
Deaths from all causes, all ages (Standardised mortality ratio (SMR)) 99.8 100.0 258.2 not significantly different to England 38.3
Deaths from all causes, under 75 years (Standardised mortality ratio (SMR)) 101.7 100.0 299.3 not significantly different to England 31.0
Deaths from all cancer, all ages (Standardised mortality ratio (SMR)) 104.3 100.0 205.3 not significantly different to England 39.9
Deaths from all cancer, under 75 years (Standardised mortality ratio (SMR)) 100.8 100.0 246.4 not significantly different to England 0.0
Deaths from circulatory disease, all ages (Standardised mortality ratio (SMR)) 99.9 100.0 241.3 not significantly different to England 20.5
Deaths from circulatory disease, under 75 years (Standardised mortality ratio (SMR)) 100.5 100.0 332.5 not significantly different to England 0.0
Deaths from coronary heart disease, all ages (Standardised mortality ratio (SMR)) 103.6 100.0 293.8 not significantly different to England 0.0
Deaths from stroke, all ages (Standardised mortality ratio (SMR)) 100.6 100.0 388.6 not significantly different to England 0.0
Deaths from respiratory diseases, all ages (Standardised mortality ratio (SMR)) 102.5 100.0 331.1 not significantly different to England 14.1
Deaths from causes considered preventable, under 75 years (Standardised mortality ratio (SMR)) 108.7 100.0 357.7 significantly worse than England 16.8

Source: Local Health - Office for Health Improvement and Disparities 2022