The awards recognise and reward innovation and good practice at NHS hospitals in Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

St Richard's bariatric service won the top prize in the Dignity in Care category for the compassion, care and dignity shown by specialist staff.

The bariatric team provides specialist surgical weight loss treatment for morbidly obese patients.

Judges said the staff's commitment to ensuring patients are not exposed to embarrassment and prejudice while in hospital was the reason for the award win.

As regional winner, the bariatric service will now progress to compete in the national awards in London in July.

Linda Chrimes, matron of the Chichester Suite, where bariatric patients are cared for, said: "Morbidly-obese patients have often been subjected to prejudice and hurtful comments throughout their lives.

"We ensure patients are discharged from our care feeling they had been respected as an individual and been treated with the dignity and professionalism every patient deserves."

The bariatric service at St Richard's is also featured in the television programme The Fat Doctor on the Discovery Health channel.

Series producer and director Rebecca Gilhooly said: "I work closely with the bariatric team at St Richard's Hospital.

"Without exception, I have nothing but praise for the bariatric team at St Richard's and the service they provide."