AIREDALE Hospital staff created a 'butterfly pledge tree' and staged a marketplace event to raise awareness of dementia.

Work being done to support patients with the condition was showcased.

Initiatives include butterfly activity trolleys for use on the wards and a campaign promoting flexible visiting for families and carers.

There were demonstrations of the digital reminiscence therapy unit, bought for the hospital by the Friends of Airedale charity.

And organisations including Carers' Resource and Meri Yaadain were present to offer advice.

There was also a cake raffle.

Patient experience officer Lynsey Nicholson, who helped organise the event, said: "We've been doing a lot of work to improve the experience for patients with dementia.

"Examples of that great work include making courtyards dementia-friendly and working towards getting people up, out of bed and dressed and involved in activities on the ward.

"There will be more activities throughout June led by our therapy teams.

"This is all intended to improve the experience and care for our patients and their families living with dementia every day."

The hospital is also gauging interest in a new volunteer role, involving visiting patients with dementia on the wards.

For more details, e-mail lynsey.nicholson@anhst.nhs.uk or call 01535 294027.