Health chiefs have unveiled plans to revamp the Riverside Ward at Newholme Hospital in Bakewell, as part of their drive to transform the care of dementia sufferers.

They hope the ward – which will feature live music, domestic furniture, a treasure box, an art gallery, a new television lounge, digital photo frames and a webcam to watch birds from the living room – will become a prototype for others to follow.

Modern matron Peter Sloan said: "This is a new way of caring for people with dementia.

"There is a culture shift sweeping across the nation when it comes to dementia and the myths are being broken down.

"Dementia is a journey and there are different challenges to meet at each stage and this is all about equipping people to meet these challenges."

He added: "We are hoping that this could be a new model of care for other hospitals and care homes in the future."

The changes, which will be introduced this summer, include a fish tank featuring a mosaic designed by patients, a restaurant-style dining room and a display case showcasing artefacts from Derbyshire museums.

Joan Whetton, of Darley Dale visits her husband Russell, who has Alzheimer's disease, on the ward and she said she was looking forward to the refurbishment.

Mrs Whetton, 71, said: "I think it would be more homely for the patients and not look so much like a ward.

"It'll be nice for it to be painted because it's very bland at the moment."

The King's Fund charity, which aims to help improve the NHS, has provided the entire funding for the project, which will benefit the 50 to 60 patients who use the ward each year.

Staff nurse Glen Robinson, 36, said: "It's very exciting. We already look much less like a hospital ward than in other places, we've got a parlour and a fire, and this will enhance it further."

Patients stay an average of 100 days in the ward, then return home or move to the best-suited place for their care.

No patients will be moved while the work is carried out.