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UK Queen honours health service for its courage

Courage - Level 0

The UK Queen gave a special award to Britain's National Health Service. She gave it a George Cross for the heroic efforts made by doctors and nurses during the coronavirus pandemic. The Queen gave the award "with great pleasure, on behalf of a grateful nation". She said nurses supported people "with courage".

Many health workers are happy with the award. However, many others want a pay rise. The government gave them a 1% pay increase last year. A doctor said: "We demand...fair pay." A workers' union leader said the best way to thank health workers was to give them a pay rise.

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Courage - Level 1

The UK Queen has given the country's highest award to its National Health Service (NHS) - a George Cross. This is a special medal for heroism. It is for the heroic efforts doctors, nurses and care staff made during the coronavirus pandemic. The Queen gave the award "with great pleasure, on behalf of a grateful nation". She added: "In recent times, you have supported the people of our country with courage, compassion and dedication."

Many NHS workers are happy with the award. However, many others want a pay rise. The NHS has been on the front line in the fight against COVID-19, but the government only gave workers a 1% increase. There were protests over the weekend for better pay. A doctor said: "We demand...fair pay." A workers' union leader said: "The best way to show appreciation for health workers who have gone 'above and beyond' is to give them a decent pay rise."

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Courage - Level 2

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The Queen in the UK has given the country's highest award to its National Health Service (NHS). The NHS got a George Cross. This is a special medal for heroism and bravery. It is for the heroic efforts doctors, nurses and care staff made during the coronavirus pandemic. The Queen wrote a personal message to the NHS. She said she gave the award "with great pleasure, on behalf of a grateful nation". She added: "This award recognises all NHS staff.... In recent times, you have supported the people of our country with courage, compassion and dedication."

Many NHS workers are happy they have been recognised. However, many others would prefer a pay rise. The NHS has been on the front line in the fight against COVID-19. There has been great public support for a pay rise for nurses, but the government only gave workers a 1% increase. There were over 60 protests over the weekend for better pay. A doctor said: "We demand funding for a safe NHS and fair pay." A workers' union leader said: "The best way to show appreciation for health workers who have gone 'above and beyond' is to give them a decent pay rise."

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11 online activities    |    8-page printable   (PDF)

Courage - Level 3

The Queen in the United Kingdom has given the country's highest possible award for civilians to its National Health Service (NHS). The Queen gave the NHS a George Cross. This is a special medal for heroism and bravery. The award was given because of the heroic efforts doctors, nurses and care staff made during the coronavirus pandemic. The Queen hand wrote a personal message to the NHS. She said she gave the award "with great pleasure, on behalf of a grateful nation". She added: "This award recognises all NHS staff....Over more than seven decades, and especially in recent times, you have supported the people of our country with courage, compassion and dedication."

Many workers in the NHS are happy that they have been recognised by the Queen for their services. However, many others said they would prefer a pay rise. The NHS has been on the front line in the fight against COVID-19 in the UK. There has been great public support for a pay rise for nurses, but the government only gave them a 1% increase. There were over 60 protests in the UK over the weekend for better pay and conditions. A doctor said: "We demand funding for a safe NHS, fair pay and respect for staff." A workers' union leader said: "The best way to show appreciation for health workers who have gone 'above and beyond' is to give them a decent pay rise, urgently."

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