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The Queen awards the George Cross to the UK’s National Health Services
- The NHS will be presented with the George Cross
- The award recognises the “courage, compassion and dedication” of staff during the pandemic
- Only the third time the George Cross has been given to a collective body
Today (Tuesday 12th July, 2022) the NHS has been presented with the George Cross at Windsor Castle by Her Majesty The Queen.
The George Cross recognises the “courage, compassion and dedication” of staff during the pandemic and their service to the public for the last 74 years – exactly one week after the NHS’s 74th birthday.
A personal message from The Queen in support of the Award, handwritten by Her Majesty, reads:
“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.
ELIZABETH R.”
This is only the third time the George Cross has been given to a collective body, and it is granted in recognition of “acts of the greatest heroism or of the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger”.