Her Majesty The Queen has awarded the George Cross to the NHS in recognition of 73 years of dedicated service and for its work in tackling the coronavirus pandemic.

The George Cross - the highest civilian gallantry award, equivalent to the Victoria Cross - has only been bestowed collectively twice before: first to the people of Malta in 1942 by King George VI and then to the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 1999.

In a personal message, the Queen said NHS staff across the UK had worked ‘with courage, compassion and dedication’ for more than 70 years.

Outgoing NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens hailed the ‘skill and compassion and the fortitude’ of health service staff. Welcoming the ‘unprecedented’ honour, Stevens said that the ‘dark times’ of the coronavirus pandemic had brought out ‘the best’ in health and care staff.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We wouldn’t be where we are today without our health services. NHS staff have cared for us and our friends and family on the frontline of a pandemic for over a year, and I have witnessed their courage first-hand. Thanks to their devotion and duty our NHS has saved countless lives, and the George Cross is a symbol of the nation’s gratitude. I know the whole of the UK is behind me in paying tribute and giving thanks for everything the NHS has done for us not only in the last year, but since its inception.”