THE Queen has awarded the George Cross to the National Health Services of the UK, recognising all NHS staff in all four nations.

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. The award comes on the 73rd anniversary of the NHS's foundation.

Former Carlisle MP Eric Martlew wrote to the Queen and Prime Minister Boris Johnson in January, suggesting that the NHS should be awarded the George Cross - the UK's highest civilian gallantry award.

"The consequences of the pandemic have been truly terrible but would have been much worse had it not been for the bravery, dedication and professionalism of the NHS," he said.

"I’m absolutely delighted with this announcement."

The George Cross was instituted by King George VI in 1940 is granted in recognition of "acts of the greatest heroism or of the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger". In her message, the Queen wrote: "It is with great pleasure, on behalf of a grateful nation, that I award the George Cross to the National Health Services of the United Kingdom.

"This award recognises all NHS staff, past and present, across all disciplines and all four nations.

"Over more than seven decades, and especially in recent times, you have supported the people of our country with courage, compassion and dedication, demonstrating the highest standards of public service.

"You have our enduring thanks and heartfelt appreciation."

This marks only the third occasion on which the George Cross has been awarded to a collective body, country or organisation, rather than an individual. Joanne Dempsey, a nurse at Whitehaven's West Cumberland Hospital, said: "It's quite an honour and we appreciate it. What we do is all part of our role."

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust has also thanked the local community and staff as the NHS turns 73. In an open letter, chief executive Lyn Simpson said: "It has been an extremely challenging year for the NHS, and the country as a whole, but also a year of hope. We have been through so much in the last year, some of the toughest times we have ever had to face, yet there are still reasons to be thankful."

She spoke of the successful vaccination programme and the delivering of the Cancer Centre at the Cumberland Infirmary and the completion of the new Same Day Emergency Care extension at West Cumberland Hospital. We have also been able to deliver much more care to patients out with hospital through our Integrated Care Communities, she said. "The NHS could not have achieved all of this without the skill and dedication of our people along with the support of thousands of returners, volunteers, other keyworkers and, of course, the public who played their part by continually following the guidance. We are truly thankful to each and everyone one of you.”