TESSA JOWELL, Minister for the Cabinet Office, visited Devon Doctors yesterday and praised its Torquay-based director.

This visit follows a major speech where the minister announced the creation of a new independent Commission on Ownership to look at a bigger role for services which are owned by the people who run it.

Devon Doctors is being held up as a prime example.

Torquay GP Dr Simon Murray

(pictured left)

said: "We are fortunate to have an excellent team of clinicians, staff and managers at Devon Doctors. It's vital that there is a move towards public service frontline workers having the ability to better influence how those services are run. More involvement should also be given to those who have the biggest interest in those services being delivered well, such as local people.

"The minister's work to secure a greater role for social enterprise such as that provided by organisations like Devon Doctors is very much to be encouraged."

Tessa Jowell said: "I believe that exceptional service and care in public services can be provided to the public with the increased involvement of those who deliver and use the services.

"Devon Doctors should be proud of their achievements and for being a ground-breaking mutual organisation from which others can learn."