The Queen has awarded the UK’s highest accolade for heroism to NHS workers to mark more than 70 years of public service as she praised their efforts during the pandemic.
In a personal handwritten note, Her Majesty awarded the George Cross to all healthcare staff who have carried out their work ‘with courage, compassion and dedication’.
The NHS today marks its 73rd birthday as it continues to work through a mammoth backlog amid staff shortages, following more than a year of unprecedented challenges and disruption due to the pandemic.
It is only the third time in history that the George Cross has been awarded to a collective body, country or organisation instead of an individual.
The award was instituted by King George VI on September 24 1940 during the height of the Blitz, and is granted in recognition of ‘acts of the greatest heroism or of the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger’.
It can only be awarded by The Queen and is made on the advice of the George Cross Committee and the Prime Minister.
In her message, on Windsor Castle-headed paper, the Queen wrote: ‘It is with great pleasure, on behalf of a grateful nation, that I award the George Cross to the National Health Services of the United Kingdom.
‘This award recognises all NHS staff, past and present, across all disciplines and all four nations.
‘Over more than seven decades, and especially in recent times, you have supported the people of our country with courage, compassion and dedication, demonstrating the highest standards of public service.
‘You have our enduring thanks and heartfelt appreciation.’
British Medical Association council chair Dr Chaand Napaul said it was ‘only right’ that NHS staff are recognised ‘for their brave and dedicated commitment.’
He said: ‘This is a worthy honour for all NHS staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to protect the health of the nation, providing care to hundreds of thousands suffering with illness and have also saved the lives of so many.
‘The fight against Covid has been largely down to their enormous contribution, and with many putting their own health at risk as they cared of patients with a deadly and infectious illness, and with sadly several hundred losing their lives from the virus.’
The award came after major landmarks across England were lit up in blue on Saturday, as events were held to commemorate health workers who have lost their lives to the virus.
The Wembley arch, the Liver building in Liverpool, Salisbury Cathedral and vaccination centres across England were among more than 70 sites to join the tribute.
Football stadiums, town halls, churches, hospitals and bridges in different parts also followed suit to thank NHS workers for their heroic efforts.
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https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMidGh0dHBzOi8vbWV0cm8uY28udWsvMjAyMS8wNy8wNS9xdWVlbnMtaGFuZHdyaXR0ZW4tbm90ZS10by1uaHMtc3RhZmYtYXdhcmRpbmctY292aWQtaGVyb2VzLXRoZS1nZW9yZ2UtY3Jvc3MtMTQ4NzI2OTEv0gF4aHR0cHM6Ly9tZXRyby5jby51ay8yMDIxLzA3LzA1L3F1ZWVucy1oYW5kd3JpdHRlbi1ub3RlLXRvLW5ocy1zdGFmZi1hd2FyZGluZy1jb3ZpZC1oZXJvZXMtdGhlLWdlb3JnZS1jcm9zcy0xNDg3MjY5MS9hbXAv?oc=5
2021-07-05 06:00:00Z
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