Russell Grant today opened a hospital ward which has been specially refurbished to make dementia patients feel more at home.

The astrologer and Strictly Come Dancing star, whose late grandmother had Alzheimer's, visited West Middlesex Hospital's Crane ward to see how it had been designed with dementia patients in mind.

Soothing colours, vintage crockery and glasses, and special flooring to prevent falls are among the touches it is hoped will help those with the condition, which affects people's memory and mental abilities.

The ward also features a dedicated social area with a TV and kitchen facilities, nature-inspired artwork created by pupils at Springwell Junior School, in Heston, and less clutter so it is easier to navigate.

Mr Grant said: "When my grandmother developed Alzheimer's (in the late 80s) there was nothing like this. It was down to friends and family to care for people with dementia.

"I watched as Alzheimer's slowly robbed her of her dignity and her personality, until we didn't recognise her anymore.

"I hope one day a cure will be found but in the meantime from what I have seen and heard today it is encouraging to know that local people with dementia will benefit from ongoing improvements here at West Middlesex."

The Middlesex-born astrologer said it was a special honour being asked to open a ward at West Mid, as he has long campaigned for wider recognition of the historic county, most of which was subsumed into Greater London in the 1960s.

The ward has for many years been used by older patients at the hospital. It was refurbished last year thanks to a £99,000 Department of Health grant and £10,000 from Bouygues Energies & Services, which is responsible for maintaining the hospital.

Early indications already suggest the redesign, which was completed late last year, has helped reduce falls and agitated behaviour by patients.

Dementia care is a major part of services at the hospital, where more than 50 per cent of acute adult beds are at any time occupied by people aged 75 or above, nearly half of whom will have the condition.

Dr Ravneeta Singh, consultant in care of the elderly and stroke medicine at the hospital, said: "We have worked hard to create an environment here that will reduce anxiety and we have already seen that dementia and delirium patients on the ward are less agitated and appear calmer and more relaxed."