A health boss has written an open letter to NHS staff and the community as the organisation celebrates it 73rd birthday.
The NHS has also been awarded the Goerge Cross – the highest award for gallantry and heroism – by the Queen today.
Lyn Simpson, chief executive of North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, 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.
“The trust was one of the first places in the world to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine when staff at West Cumberland Hospital administered some of the very first jabs back in December and since then the vaccination programme has gone from strength to strength.
“We have also been working to deliver two large projects with the Cancer Centre at the Cumberland Infirmary opening this summer 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.
“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 key workers 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.”
George Cross for the NHS
It is only the third time the George Cross has been given to a collective body, country or organisation rather than an individual since it was instituted by the Queen’s father, George VI, at the height of the Bitz in 1940.
In a handwritten personal message, the Queen said: “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.
“ver 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. Elizabeth R.”
The George Cross is granted in recognition of “acts of the greatest heroism or of the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger”. It recognises actions by civilians and military personnel not in the face of the enemy.
It is awarded by the Queen on the advice of the George Cross committee and the Prime Minister.
