Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England has praised the exceptional efforts and skill of health service staff across the country, after being presented the George Cross by The Queen at Windsor Castle.
In an audience at Windsor Castle, NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard was joined by May Parsons, a matron for respiratory services who delivered the world’s first COVID vaccination in December 2020, to receive the award.
To read more on this subject, visit:
- Nurses honoured in annual NHS Parliamentary Awards
- Radical action needed to boost nursing workforce
- Record numbers of disabled staff in senior management roles in the NHS
‘It was an incredible honour to receive the George Cross today from Her Majesty The Queen, on behalf of all NHS staff – current and former – who have given so much to care for patients and their loved ones,’ said Ms Pritchard.
‘The award recognises the extraordinary courage, compassion and dedication of staff over more than 70 years, particularly in the face of the COVID pandemic. So it was particularly special to receive it alongside May, who made history when she delivered the world’s first Covid jab outside of the clinical trial, kick-starting the most successful vaccination programme in NHS history.’
The George Cross, awarded to the four National Health Services of the UK, is in recognition of over 74 years of service including the exceptional efforts of NHS staff across the country during the Covid-19 pandemic. The presentation came exactly one week after the NHS’ birthday.
The award, created in 1940, sits at the top of the UK honour’s system joint with the military Victoria Cross and is the highest civilian gallantry award. It is given for acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger.
‘It was a real privilege to be asked to join Amanda today, and be chosen to represent the countless members of NHS staff – my colleagues – who have gone over and above, not just during the pandemic but throughout the more than seven decades of health service history,’ said Ms Parsons.
‘Getting to deliver the first vaccine to Maggie just a year and a half ago was such a significant moment, that made me so proud of everything we do as healthcare staff, and today is yet another truly once in a lifetime experience for me.’