THE opening of the new dementia-friendly ward at Bradford Royal Infirmary, which we report on today, should be very warmly welcomed by everyone.

Just a few days earlier this week we were urging caution over plans for the closure of a specialist dementia home in Holme Wood, Bradford.

We made the point that the provision of specialist facilities offering dementia care and support was increasingly important, not only because of an ever ageing population, but because it is now the country’s biggest cause of death, ahead even of heart disease.

The Telegraph & Argus has long campaigned for dignity to be at the forefront of dementia care through its With Respect... campaign.

We launched the initiative with the aim of improving the way elderly people are treated by public organisations and in particular focused on the need for them to be treated sensitively.

The new wing at BRI is exactly the type of service we welcome as part of With Respect...

The unit is not just about offering medical support to elderly people, but has been designed with their emotional and mental wellbeing in mind as well.

Colour schemes, lighting and even a camouflaged door have been thought of to help reduce patients’ stress levels. Art has been carefully chosen to help encourage conversation and there is space for all-important carers to take a break.

With 6,500 people in the Bradford district affected by dementia, we hope that other organisations will follow BRI’s example.