A HAMPSHIRE woman has hit out at plans to close a special dental clinic.

Hayley Robinson and her autistic five-year-old son Jack regularly receive care at the Pickles Coppice clinic in Millbrook, Southampton, and were devastated when they received a letter informing them the centre could close.

Having endured 52 operations, 36-year-old Hayley has a phobia of dentists' procedures, while Jack, who does not speak, becomes extremely agitated when he goes to non-specialised centres.

A special meeting to discuss the plans will be held today and Shirley resident Hayley is hopeful NHS bosses will reconsider.

She said: "The clinic is designed for special needs children and adults and it's quite a relaxed setting.

"It's in a sure start centre and there's a very different feel to it. Jack is finally getting used to it and now might have to go.

"Going to the dentist's is my Everest and I have had a lot of surgeries. A lot of other people are bothered by it and I am disappointed by it."

A Facebook group titled "Save Millbrook Dental Clinic" has been set up and parents who are against the move are meeting with Alan Whitehead MP to assess the situation.

The clinic has regularly been used as a centre for fundraising events and projects, as well as a venue for breakfast and book club events.

The discussion meeting will be held at Pickles Coppice at 3.15pm today sept 3 and will be open to the public.

Mandy Eltherington, Operational Director for the Solent NHS Trust Special and Occasional Dental Care Service said: "There is a consultation proposing that Pickles Coppice Special Care Dental Service in Millbrook, along with the staff, could be relocated to the Royal South Hants Hospital Special Care Dental Service, a Community Hospital in Southampton.

"This will allow the team to be able to provide patients with an improved service, which will be easily accessible on the ground floor. Both the equipment, space and access at the RSH will benefit the patients.

"We understand this time may not be ideal for some people, but it is ok if people are unable to get there until a bit later, the forum will be running until 5pm. If you have any further questions please contact 023 8069 8676."