The award comes on the 73rd anniversary of the NHS’s foundation
The Queen has awarded the George Cross to the National Health Services of the UK, recognising all NHS staff in all four nations.
In a personal, handwritten message, the Queen said NHS staff have carried out their work “with courage, compassion and dedication” for more than 70 years.
The award comes on the 73rd anniversary of the NHS’s foundation.
The George Cross 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”.
In her message, 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 of us all.”
NHS Fife’s Chief Executive Carol Potter;
“Following yesterday’s national Thank You Day, today’s announcement of the award of the George Cross to all NHS staff, past and present, across the four nations is a fitting tribute to the hard work, resilience and the drive of all our staff to care for the communities we serve, under the most difficult of circumstances.
“As we mark our 73rd birthday today this award recognises the biggest challenge the NHS has had to face in over 7 decades and the courage and compassion shown by all disciplines that make up our NHS.”
