The Queen has marked the 73rd anniversary of the NHS by awarding it the George Cross.
She said NHS staff had worked “with courage, compassion and dedication” for more than 70 years.
The George Cross, launched in 1940, is awarded for “acts of the greatest heroism or of the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger”. This is only the third time it has been given to a collective body, country or organisation, rather than an individual.
Boris Johnson said the award was a symbol of the nation’s gratitude.
“NHS staff have cared for us and our friends and family on the frontline of a pandemic for over a year, and I have witnessed their courage first-hand,” Johnson, who was treated by the NHS in intensive care with COVID-19 last year, said.
NHS Chief Executive Simon Stevens said the honour recognised the skill, compassion and fortitude of staff right across the service in responding to the worst pandemic in a century.
“Out of those dark times have come the best of what it means to be a carer and a health professional,” he said.
