CLOSING Divette Ward will have a huge impact on people living with dementia and could put them and their carers at risk, an Alzheimer’s Society member believes.

Dementia support worker Michael Nicholls was shocked when he heard Health and Social Services was to close the specialist assessment ward while it cuts services to reduce its overspend.

There are seven patients on the ward and all will be moved by the end of this week. The department has said the skills of staff on the Casquets Ward – where patients will be moved – would ensure that the service users were well cared for in the short term.

But Mr Nicholls said: ‘HSSD’s announcement will hit the most vulnerable people in society. Divette Ward is a specialist assessment ward, the only one in Guernsey, and it provides vital support for people living with dementia.’