TWO West Somerset GP practices have been rated as outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following their most recent inspections.

The CQC found the quality of care provided by the Porlock Medical Centre and the Dunster Surgery in Somerset to be Outstanding following an inspection carried out in May, with only 54 surgeries achieving this nationwide.

Inspectors found that both surgeries were providing a safe, effective and well-led service that was caring and responsive to the needs of all the local communities.

Porlock Medical Centre and the Dunster Surgery provide primary medical services to patients living in and around the Minehead and Dunster areas of Somerset.

Ruth Rankine, deputy chief inspector of general practice for the South, said: "It is fantastic that there are two practices within 20 minutes of each other supporting the local community with such outstanding care.

"The ease of access for patients and flexibility of appointment setting is an example to other GP practices. This demonstrates a real patient-centred culture and ethos and is certainly a great success for the Somerset area."

The reports found that both practices were forward thinking and used innovative methods to improve patient experience , worked well with other services and encouraged suggestions from patients, for example Dunster involved the Patient Participation Group in the selection of a new GP.