The Queen awards the George Cross to the NHS in recognition of its staff’s hard work over the years , and especially throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The National Health Service marks its 73rd anniversary this week.
The monarch said in a personal handwritten message that NHS staff across the UK worked “with courage, compassion and dedication” for over 70 years.
Sir Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, says the award recognises the “skill, compassion and fortitude” of workers.
To thank NHS employees, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are hosting a tea at Buckingham Palace.
Services to the public
King George VI introduced the George Cross in 1940 during the Blitz in World War Two. It is awarded for “acts of the greatest heroism or of the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger”.
The Queen wrote in her message how it was a great pleasure to award the George Cross to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service on behalf of a “grateful” nation. The award recognises all past and present NHS staff, in all disciplines, across all four nations. She says, “collectively, over more than seven decades, they have supported the people of our country with courage, compassion and dedication, demonstrating the highest standards of public service”. For this they will always have “enduring thanks and heartfelt appreciation”.
This is the third time the George Cross is given to a collective body or country, instead of an individual. In 1942, it was awarded to the island of Malta by George VI. It recognised the heroism shown by inhabitants during enemy attacks in World War Two. In 1999, the Queen gave the award to the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Northern Ireland, for their bravery.
‘Skill, compassion and fortitude’
The “unprecedented” award recognises NHS staff for all their hard work during the pandemic. They showed “skill, compassion and fortitude” at a challenging time, the worst faced by the country since World War Two.
The Covid vaccine rollout is now in its final stages, providing hope that we are on our way out of this pandemic.
Council chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA), Dr Chaand Nagpaul, says the award is “a welcome recognition for many who feel exhausted – physically and mentally – after the gruelling challenge of the last year”.
He also says it is essential for healthcare professionals to work in an environment with adequate resources and workforce. This includes enough hospital beds and facilities. This is important to enable tackling the huge backlog of more than five million patients awaiting treatment because of coronavirus.
Dr Nagpaul previously warned of industrial action by senior doctors in England if the government did not improve their offer of a 1% pay rise. In addition, a representative from the Royal College of Nursing also warns of potential industrial action over pay. She says, “nursing staff led the foundation of the NHS and today they continue to lead the response to the pandemic”.
A celebration
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are joining senior NHS figures, frontline workers and patients at St Paul’s Cathedral in London for a service of thanks. It will celebrate the work of the health service in their efforts to battle Covid-19.
The congregation will include Sir Simon, leaders of the vaccine rollout, the nurses who administered the first vaccinations, staff who treated the first Covid patients, and survivors of the virus.
Prince William and his wife Kate will also host an NHS Big Tea in the gardens of Buckingham Palace. They will meet NHS staff, counsellors, care workers, housekeepers and catering managers. It is one of thousands of events taking place in homes, schools, hospitals and communities across the UK on Monday.
The Big Tea is organised by NHS Charities Together, an independent charity run as an umbrella organisation of NHS member charities. The royal couple are patrons of since December 2020.
Thank you for reading George Cross awarded to NHS for Courageous and Dedicated Staff
Looking for a storage solution for your garden furniture, tools and belongings? Look no further – Garden Sheds at affordable prices.