Confusion surrounds the future of a vital dentist surgery used by many elderly and disabled people after NHS sources appeared to contradict each other.

An NHS letter headed “Recommendations for the future of Community Dental Services in Essex” highlights seven proposed locations for dental clinics in the county.

The letter, given to a patient at the Waltham Abbey Health Centre dental service by a member of staff, makes no mention of the Sewardstone Road facility and the closest suggested location is Harlow.

The seven “centralised hubs” were selected ahead of a new provider running the service.

However Simon Evans, NHS director for the Midlands and East of England, said: “NHS England is working with the new provider to look at locations which best serve the population.

“No decisions have yet been made as to permanent locations for these services.”

Waltham Abbey patient Terry Payne, 70, said the service should not be moved to Harlow.

He claimed the transport service used by many disabled and elderly people in the area would be unable to cope with the strain.

Wheelchair user Mr Payne, of Greenleas, said: “To get to Harlow, we have got to get an ambulance, probably wait three or four hours and then get the ambulance back.

“So we will be over there for a day.

“My heart condition wouldn’t take that, it mustn’t be changed.”

The grandfather criticised the NHS for failing to tell people changes are being made, and said the organisation is still being unclear.

“When I rang them they weren’t forthcoming, in fact I would say they were rude... it is nasty and backhanded.

“They could have put it in the paper saying they were thinking of closing the dentist down, ‘What would you say?’

“But instead it’s just behind the back.”

As well as highlighting the proposed seven clinics for the county, the letter seen by Mr Payne suggests patients could use four services in Suffolk or a “mobile dental unit”.

Despite the potential loss of services, the letter claims: “Patients will continue to receive the same service from the same team, and should see no disruption of service as a result of a transfer to the new provider.

“All patients currently being treated by the existing community dental services will automatically be transferred to the new provider with effect from October 1 2016 and there will be no need for patients to take any further action.”