Image
This George Cross was awarded to Health & Social Care (HSC) staff in Northern Ireland, in recognition of their service, dedication and commitment during the Covid-19 pandemic. On 5th July 2021, Queen Elizabeth II announced that she would be awarding a George Cross to the National Health Service (NHS) in the four nations of the UK. Health Permanent Secretary Peter May and Sister Joanna Hogg (who received the first Covid-19 vaccination in Northern Ireland) accepted the George Cross on behalf of HSC. The George Cross is the highest civilian gallantry award in the UK, and it has only been awarded collectively twice before. The medal was donated to National Museums NI by the office of Peter May in 2023, and is now on display in the Modern History gallery at the Ulster Museum.