British astrologer and TV celebrity Russell Grant opened a refurbished hospital ward that has been made dementia-friendly.

Crane Ward has been West Middlesex Hospital’s main acute care of the elderly ward for a number of years and was given a makeover last year.

Grant, who is an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society and supporter of Alzheimer’s Research UK, visited the ward to officially open it on Thursday, January 23.

The 62-year-old is a long-standing campaigner because his grandmother had Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia.

He said: “I am very honoured to be opening this ward; as any improvements in dementia care are very close to my heart.

“I’ve seen the devastating effects first hand. I watched as Alzheimer’s slowly robbed my grandmother of her dignity and her personality, until we didn’t recognise her anymore.

“It broke my heart to see this big-hearted, jovial lady - whose Middlesex house I was born in - turn into a confused, angry person.

“I hope that 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.”

During his visit Grant was given a guided tour and met pupils from Springwell Junior School in Hounslow who created some pieces of artwork for the ward to stimulate patients and provoke conversation.