A SPECIALIST £3.9 million unit for people with dementia has been opened by the Archbishop of York.

Dr John Sentamu officially opened Springwood complex needs unit in Malton yesterday - an inpatient unit for older people with dementia and complex needs.

The spacious 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 and have given their views on the development.

Lesley Bessant, trust chairman, said: “I am delighted that Dr Sentamu agreed to officially open the new Springwood complex needs unit. I am very proud of the new person-centred environment and facilities, which our staff, patients and carers had such a major part in developing.

“Springwood has always been an important facility for older people who need specialist mental health nursing care in North Yorkshire and this new unit ensures that we can continue to provide the highest level of care to those who need it.”