ALZHEIMER'S patients cared for by "angels" in Watford face the prospect of a potentially upsetting and dangerous transfer later this year.

There are 12 inpatients under the care of the Pembroke Unit, housed within Langley House in St Albans Road.

But West Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) has confirmed it plans to transfer the Pembroke's 14 beds out of Watford in four to five months.

Thomas Murphy whose wife, Elizabeth, is being cared for in the Pembroke said: "My wife is likely to die before this move happens.

"But I would fight against this in any case.

"I think it's time Watford heard what's happening.

"The staff employed there are very experienced and very good.

"My sister-in-law also suffered from alzheimer's and she was cared for by two other homes in Hertfordshire and then came to the one at Langley House.

"The other's were good but they weren't a patch on the Pembroke.

"It's run by angels.

"I understand moving people with alzheimer's is bad for them and in some cases fatal."

The move will come when the PCT's contract with private company, Shaw Healthcare, which has operated services at Langley House since 2001, expires.

But while intermediate care services at the facility will continue to be run by the PCT on the site, the 14 inpatient beds for those with dementia will be transferred to units in Harpenden and Borehamwood, and will be run by Hertfordshire Partnership Trust (HPT).

This leaves the 12 inpatients and their relatives facing a transfer to unfamiliar surroundings with unfamiliar staff.

Alzheimer's Society representative, Gayle Wing explained she could not comment on the specific effect on Watford but said: "Moving from one care home to another can be extremely distressing for someone living with dementia.

"It is therefore essential that the individual receives the care and support they need every step of the way."

PCT representative Rose Child said: "The trust is currently discussing planned changes to the Pembroke Unit with families and carers of inpatients within the unit.

"The plans include moving inpatients to alternative units within West Hertfordshire.

"These proposals are being put forward because HPT will become responsible for management of the inpatient services currently provided at Pembroke from Sunday, July 1.

"HPT are experienced providers of health and social care to people who need mental health services in Hertfordshire. They have two existing inpatient units that look after patients with similar needs to those currently in the Pembroke Unit.

"HPT will be working closely with the relatives and service users to make sure that moves take place as smoothly as possible.

"Some of the measures they will take include, ensuring patients are medically fit for transfer prior to proceeding, arranging for existing staff from Pembroke to accompany individuals and work some shifts in the new unit to help settle patients, undertaking transfers on an individual basis and planning the process with relatives, keeping familiar groupings of patients together as far as possible and negotiating whether the existing Pembroke staff might permanently transfer to the new units."

The trust will meet with relatives and interested parties next week to discuss issues arising from the move.