A pharmacy attached to a GP surgery in Dorset officially begins business today under independent ownership after Boots decided to sell it.

In a joint statement, The Quarter Jack Surgery in Wimborne and Nabeel Hussain and Wasif Ansar, the owners of the new pharmacy called The Quarter Jack Pharmacy, said they were “confident” they “will be able to deliver a quality service with shorter waiting times” and an improved patient experience.

In their statement, they said: “The incoming pharmacists are very experienced and focused on delivering a good service. This is an opportunity for smaller pharmacist-led pharmacies to occupy this space and to deliver a responsive and personalised service.”

They cautioned there may be “some teething problems during the transition phase” but reassured patients that “additional surgery staff are on hand to smooth this transition.”

Hussain, Ansar and the surgery’s partners added: “We believe in local services, locally owned, being responsive to patients and customers, and we recognise the value of face-to-face access and utilising all healthcare staff.”

Boots has been contacted for comment.