Jo Crossland has been appointed Leeds care home Donisthorpe Hall's first chief operating officer, bringing to the role lengthy experience in the treatment of dementia.

"The more we understand through modern technology about people who have damage to their brains, and the human being behind that deterioration, the possibilities of supporting people continues to be endless," she said. Ms Crossland, who comes from a nursing background, noted "more focus on maintaining quality of life. I like to think that older people with dementia can live with the condition and enjoy their lives to the full. Dementia doesn't have to be a life sentence. The challenge for care provider organisations is to meet those needs."

Trustees' chair Andrew Brown said: "What thrills us is that she is passionate and caring about older people and their needs, whatever their condition. That is what makes her, and Donisthorpe Hall, so special."