HEALTH bosses who want to move local blood testing services were confronted by chanting, banner-waving protesters today.

Southend health bosses had to make their way through more than 50 people waving placards and banners as they gathered for a meeting.

The protesters lobbied members of Southend Clinical Commissioning Group on the steps of Southend’s Civic Centre.

They are against the changes to pathology which will see blood tests travel to Bedford for analysis and particularly angry that the hospital uses a private contractor Serco to run its laboratory services.

The rally was organised by Southend Against the Cuts, Southend Trades Union Council, Southend Local Government Unison and Southend Keep Our NHS Public.

The Echo is campaigning to keep blood testing local.