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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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