DELIVERIES to hospitals, GPs' surgeries and clinics were hit last week when workers at Runcorn's NHS Logistics staged two 24-hour strikes.

More than 200 Unison members took strike action in protest at the sale of the organisation to German parcel company DHL.

NHS Logistics, based at Ast-moor Industrial Estate, is a not-for-profit organisation supplying hospitals, surgeries and patients with essential surgical supplies and products.

Frank Holt, Unison North West regional secretary, said: 'Our depots voted overwhelmingly for the strike action. They have a very strong sense of loyalty to the NHS and have worked hard to make NHS Logistics a highly competitive, innovative NHS service.

'There can be absolutely no justification for privatising this service.'

The first strike began at 10pm on Thursday, September 21, with the second taking place last Tuesday to coincide with the Labour Party Conference. holly.breslin@cheshirenews.co.uk