South Devon and Torbay’s GPs have been rated among the best in the country.

The Health Service Journal, based on Care Quality Commission reports, found that more than 99 per cent of those in South Devon and Torbay were rated as ‘good or better’.

13.9 per cent were rated as outstanding.

This is the highest possible rating, which classifies the service as performing ‘exceptionally well’.

The research puts the area’s GPs among the best-performing in England, with less than 1 per cent rated as inadequate or needing to improve.

This is compared to some areas of England that have at least 10 per cent of their practices rated as inadequate.

Dr John Whitehead, primary care lead for South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We are very proud of the work GPs do in South Devon and Torbay and we’re pleased that their hard work is reflected in this research.”

“GPs aim to make patients’ experience as positive as possible and they are continuing to work hard to maintain the high levels of patient care.”