Queen Elizabeth to honour Britain’s health workers for services during coronavirus pandemic
- The award of the George Cross comes amid an outcry from medical professionals over pay and working conditions in the National Health Service
- ‘This award recognises all NHS staff, past and present, across all disciplines and all four nations,’ said the queen, 95
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth will award the UK’s state-run National Health Service (NHS) the country’s highest civilian honour in recognition of health workers’ service during the pandemic, the government has announced.
The award of the George Cross, which is the civilian equivalent of Britain’s Victoria Cross for extraordinary military heroism, comes amid an outcry from medical professionals over pay and working conditions in the NHS, which has been pushed close to breaking point during the pandemic.
“This award recognises all NHS staff, past and present, across all disciplines and all four nations,” the queen, 95, said in a personal message accompanying the award.
“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.
“You have the enduring thanks and heartfelt appreciation of us all,” she added.