Pavilion Publishing and Media Ltd
Blue Sky Offices Shoreham, 25 Cecil Pashley Way, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5FF, UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: +44 (0)1273 434 943
Email: [email protected]
The four National Health Services of the UK have been awarded the George Cross in recognition of over 74 years of service including the exceptional efforts of NHS staff across the country during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The award, created in 1940, sits at the top of the UK honour’s system joint with the military Victoria Cross and is the highest civilian gallantry award. It is given for acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger.
NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard and May Parsons, a matron for respiratory services who delivered the world’s first Covid vaccination in December 2020, were presented with the award by the Queen at Windsor Castle.
This is only the third time the George Cross has been awarded to a collective body, rather than an individual. It was previously awarded to Malta in 1942 and to the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 1999.
Fitting tribute to the immense hard work of NHS staff
The NHS Confederation said that awarding the George Cross to the health service is a fitting tribute to the immense hard work and bravery shown by the millions who work for the NHS, and whilst we celebrate this, we should use the occasion to reflect on the continuing challenges and pressures facing the NHS.
Other health organisations echoed the sentiment, with the British Medical Association saying it was the rightful recognition of the incredible work the NHS has done over the last 74 years, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic when staff went above and beyond to keep the country safe.
Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, said: “The award recognises the extraordinary courage, compassion and dedication of staff over more than 70 years, particularly in the face of the Covid pandemic.
“So it was particularly special to receive it alongside May, who made history when she delivered the world’s first Covid jab outside of the clinical trial, kick-starting the most successful vaccination programme in NHS history.
“The story of the NHS is one of adaption and innovation as the health service addresses the changing needs of each generation and that has never been more true than during the pandemic when health service staff’s can-do spirit shone through.
“As we look forward to the NHS’s 75th birthday next year, we will use that same determination and agility to address the challenges we face in the next phase of the response to Covid. I was deeply honoured but also humbled to play a part in this momentous ceremony and represent the 1.5 million brilliant, dedicated and heroic NHS staff across England.”
Amanda and May were joined by chief executives and frontline workers from the other UK nations, including a senior A&E nurse, award-winning palliative care nurse, and ICU consultant to receive the award on behalf of their health services.