Civilian Gallantry: George Cross for the National Health Services of the United Kingdom

For over 70 years the National Health Services of the United Kingdom have cared for the health and well-being of the population of the UK and in so doing has sought to protect and preserve the lives of all those whom they treat.

In 2020-21, all who work in our healthcare service, throughout every part of the United Kingdom, have risen to the challenge of the greatest public health emergency in the organisation’s history: the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Every individual worker has carried out their role in the full knowledge of the highly contagious and deadly nature of the virus. Some have given their lives as a result of contracting the virus whilst carrying out their day to day work.

This award is made to recognise the collective courage and dedication of all of those working in our healthcare systems across the United Kingdom, in all capacities, who have accepted and faced into the danger and stress the pandemic has brought to them and their families.