STUDENTS are to get in-depth lessons on dementia in a specialist new wing.

Burnley College has opened the new Iris wing to help student learn about care of dementia patients in a more real world environment.

The centre has been kitted out with tools which will give an overview of new methods to help patients cope.

Students will explore the ways in which dementia patients can use new equipment which make a difference to their lives.

It will also provide opportunities for employers to conduct training.

Tools that will be used include a specially-equipped kitchen with sinks that do not overflow and other safety measures and a dummy patient.

The specialised training and education facility has been built within the college’s health and social care department, to be used within the Burnley College, Themis and corporate training curriculum.

A spokeswoman for the college said: “The suite showcases equipment which makes a real difference to the day-to-day lives of people with dementia and their carers.

“Students, apprentices and visitors to the suite can use these to learn quickly and efficiently in a real life care environment.

“It’s hoped that the Burnley College Iris Suite will make an impact on the care services skills gap currently affecting the North West of England.

“The ability to train individuals to a high standard in Dementia-specific care skills will enable future health and social care professionals to be more confident in their abilities and better equipped to work with the growing number of individuals in care who are living with dementia.”