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. "This award recognises all NHS staff, past and present, across all disciplines and all four nations. 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". The award of the George Cross by The Queen is made on the advice of the George Cross Committee and the Prime Minister. "The George Cross is the highest possible honour a civilian can achieve and I want to pay tribute to everyone across the NHS for their heroism and sacrifice."

Source: Daily Mirror July 05, 2021 00:56 UTC