A tireless campaigner for improved dementia care has died at the age of 80.

Tributes have been paid to Maurice Bernard who began his bid to transform care services because he felt staff did not truly understand the needs of loved ones suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

When his wife Dora was admitted to Medway Maritime Hospital, the retired Army major thought he would be helping by explaining her likes and dislikes but found his advice fell on deaf ears.

His efforts led to the opening of the specialist Bernard Unit at the hospital and to Mr Bernard, of Mountbatten Avenue, Chatham, being awarded the British Empire Medal.

Chatham MP Tracey Crouch said: “Maurice was not only a friend but he was also an absolutely fantastic local campaigner for issues relating to dementia.

“Through his hard work we now have much better care practices at the hospital through the Bernard Unit, which is a particular area of the hospital which is regularly praised by inspectors.

“I shall miss him immensely but vow to carry on his good work in providing best practice dementia care for those around Medway.”

Ms Crouch nominated Mr Bernard for a Pride in Medway award and he was a sponsor’s award winner in 2014.

After Mrs Bernard’s death in 2010, her husband met the director of nursing which led to staff being trained by the charity Dementia UK. The Bernard Unit opened in February 2014 and has a specialist doctor, occupational therapist and nurses to ensure patients with the illness receive tailor-made care.

The hospital also launched the Butterfly Scheme, which allows people with memory impairment to request a specific form of personalised care.

Shena Winning, chair of Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We were extremely sorry to hear of Mr Bernard’s recent passing. Maurice was a tireless campaigner who made a huge contribution in helping improve the way we care for dementia patients.

“He was a popular character within the hospital, and will be sorely missed by staff on the Bernard Unit. We’re very proud that his influence and legacy will live on at Medway Hospital.”

Mr Bernard died at the Wisdom Hospice and his funeral will be held tomorrow at St Barbara’s Garrison Church, Maxwell Road, Brompton, at 12.30pm. Donations can be made to Dementia UK.