A doctor's surgery in Dorset has dramatically improved to be ranked outstanding.

Whitecliff Surgery in Blanford is a GP practice which delivers services to approximately 24,000 people over three sites.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out the inspection as part of its routine monitoring of GP services.

The service and the rating for well-led has been upgraded from requires improvement to outstanding.

Responsive has improved from good to outstanding. Safe improved from requires improvement to good, while caring and effective were re-rated as good.

Victoria Oecken, CQC's deputy director for Dorset, said: "Leaders at Whitecliff Surgery have established a culture that supports innovation and encourages staff to explore new approaches aimed at improving people's outcomes.

"The surgery's work extends beyond addressing immediate medical needs, recognising that health is influenced by broader factors such as poverty, social isolation and digital exclusion. By integrating Citizens Advice representatives, carers' support services and community transport volunteers into the practice, the team was reducing barriers preventing people from accessing appropriate support. These initiatives have been evaluated, found to be effective, and are now being implemented more widely across Dorset.

"We saw staff interacting with people respectfully and taking time to understand their individual circumstances. Feedback from people indicated they generally felt listened to and treated with consideration. This was reflected in the survey results we saw which consistently demonstrated above-average satisfaction with care, and the impact on their wellbeing.

"The leadership team has strengthened management processes, prioritised staff development and promoted a culture of openness in which concerns are addressed, and learning is shared. Staff described leaders as approachable and responsive, which contributed positively to the overall working environment and, in turn, to the care provided.

"What's particularly impressive is how the surgery has tackled health inequalities. They've used local data to identify groups at risk of poorer health outcomes and developed targeted support that's led to their increased engagement with services. Their work with older people, carers, refugees and people struggling with digital access shows how understanding your community can transform care."

Inspectors found:

· Digital volunteers provided one-to-one support, reducing digital exclusion and helping people manage their care.

· The service arranged free Tai Chi classes for older adults to improve balance, mobility, confidence, and reduced isolation.

· Staff confidently raised concerns through the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian and leaders acted on feedback, such as adding accessibility features to the website.

· 88% of people said healthcare professionals treated them with care and concern, above the national average.

· The surgery used local data to target at-risk groups, boosting attendance at health checks and follow-ups.

· Whitecliff worked in partnership with Carers Support Dorset to start a carers' café combining health checks and social connection, helping carers feel valued, supported, and less isolated.

· They also collaborated with Dorset Healthcare's Hospital at Home service enabled acute care at home, reducing hospital admissions and maintaining continuity of care. The report will be published on CQC's website in the coming days.