The George Cross medal, awarded to the NHS in England last year by the late Queen, is set to tour the nation from July starting with a six-month stint at the iconic Science Museum in South Kensington.
With the NHS turning 75 on 5 July 2023, the UK’s highest civilian gallantry medal will be on display in London’s Science Museum from 6 July 2023 as a temporary addition to Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, the world’s largest museum devoted to the history of medical healthcare.
The medal, which is currently kept at Windsor Castle, will then go on a nationwide tour to allow NHS staff, patients and the public to view the historic accolade in science museums across England, after it was bestowed on staff for their exceptional efforts, particularly during the pandemic.
The George Cross award recognises the “courage, compassion and dedication” of NHS staff and volunteers, during the pandemic as well as the work of the NHS since it was established in 1948.
It is only the third time in British history the medal has been granted to an organisation for an act of great heroism.
NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard and May Parsons, a matron for respiratory services who delivered the world’s first approved Covid vaccination, received the honour on behalf of the NHS by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at a ceremony in Windsor Castle last July.
Jane Clegg, Chief Nurse for the NHS in London said:
“Receiving the George Cross medal as a recognition of the work NHS staff have done over its 75-year history is a real honour, especially praising our hardworking staff on their dedication throughout the pandemic.
“It is exciting that we will see the medal start its tour in London on display at the iconic Science Museum as part of the NHS 75 celebrations.”
Natasha McEnroe, Keeper of Medicine, Science Museum said:
“It is a real honour to display The George Cross in our museums in recognition of the dedication of NHS staff caring for patients during the pandemic and to this day.
“Visitors to the Science Museum will see The George Cross beside items celebrating the NHS’s 75-year history and nearby objects collected during the pandemic to represent the impact of Covid-19 on our lives.”
