The Queen in the United Kingdom has given the country's highest possible award civilians its National Health Service (NHS). The Queen gave the NHS a George Cross. This is a special medal heroism and bravery. The award was given because the heroic efforts doctors, nurses and care staff made the coronavirus pandemic. The Queen hand wrote a personal message the NHS. She said she gave the award " great pleasure, behalf of a grateful nation". She added: "This award recognises all NHS staff....Over more than seven decades, and especially recent times, you have supported the people of our country courage, compassion and dedication."
Many workers the NHS are happy that they have been recognised the Queen for their services. However, many others said they would prefer a pay rise. The NHS has been the front line the fight against COVID-19 the UK. There has been great public support a pay rise nurses, but the government only gave them a 1% increase. There were 60 protests the UK over the weekend for better pay and conditions. A doctor said: "We demand funding for a safe NHS, fair pay and respect staff." A workers' union leader said: "The best way to show appreciation health workers who have gone 'above and beyond' is to give them a decent pay rise, urgently."
