Health chiefs have announced plans to replace a hospital where a pensioner was battered to death.

The proposed service - for elderly patients with dementia - would open after the closure of the Nevill Hospital in Laburnum Avenue, Hove.

In September Reginald Homewood, 89, was found lying unconscious in a pool of blood in one of the hospital's unlocked bathrooms, which had been used as a storeroom, after being punched by another patient.

An inquest earlier this month heard he had died from his injuries in the Royal Sussex County Hospital several days later.

NHS managers accept that the Nevill is not an appropriate place to deal with the elderly mentally ill.

The new hospital would have circular walkways, primary colour co-ordinated rooms and a landscaped garden.

It is not known yet how much it would cost or where it will be built but an initial report has been submitted to the Sussex Partnership NHS Trust, which said it was "committed" to the new service.

Colin Lindridge, a trust director for older people, said: "We are dealing with some of the most vulnerable people in Brighton and Hove.

"We need to make sure they are properly looked after and the Nevill is not an ideal environment for them.

"Elderly people with dementia are discriminated against twice - it is a double whammy - they are mentally ill and old."

Hospital bosses said they transformed the way the Nevill was run after Mr Homewood's death.

New managerial roles based at the hospital were created, more occupational therapists employed, staff retrained and the number of beds reduced by five to make the staff-topatient ratio lower.

About £150,000 was allocated to renovate the wards and put in custom-made baths, a new garden and more safety measures throughout the hospital.

The hospital has also made sure all bathrooms and storerooms are locked, a female-only lounge has been put in and a kitchen has been adapted for patients.