SURGEONS at a hospital have won a surgical accolade for the second time in two years.

The Moynihan prize for the best piece of clinical research has gone to a team from Scarborough Hospital.

The team's research is expected to improve the treatment and survival of critically ill patients worldwide.

The team, led by Professor John MacFie, won the prize for research into ways to help patients suffering from intestinal failure, which is common in critically ill patients.

It is the second time the team has won the prize, which includes a £1,000 prize and a gold medal.

Two years ago, Prof MacFie's team won the prize for work that involved using DNA tests on bacteria.

The team aimed to find how intestinal failure in critically ill patients affected them and how specialist nutrients might be used to improve gut function and boost the patient's chance of recovery.

Two studies were undertaken by the team. The first involving 315 patients, assessed gut function and linked that to outcomes.

The second involved 50 patients who were given placebos or nutrients through a tube.

The first trial showed that intestinal failure increased the likelihood of infection and death.

The second trial confirmed that giving patients gut-friendly nutrients led to a quicker return to normal function and boosted survival rates.

Prof MacFie said: "Patients will have a better chance of survival and recovery if we routinely consider and address their intestinal problems as part of their overall care."