A SPECIALIST £3.9munit for people with dementia has been opened in North Yorkshire,

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu officially opened Springwood complex needs unit in Malton.

The unit has 14 single en-suite bedrooms, one of which is equipped as a high dependency suite.

It also has internal and external pathways which mean patients who can become anxious or agitated have the space to wander in a safe and secure environment.

Dr Sentamu said: “One of the marks of a healthy society is how we look after those who most need our care and support. It is a real honour to be officially opening this new facility.

“I pray that this will be a place where the patients, their families and the staff working here will be able to flourish and know that they are cared for by the wider community.”

The new unit replaces accommodation that had been well established on the Malton Hospital site for a number of years.

Provided by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation NHS Foundation Trust Springwood’s facilities have been developed to offer patients from North Yorkshire 24-hour care within homely surroundings.

Patients, carers and staff have been involved in the planning process.