The George Cross medal, which was awarded to all NHS Scotland staff, was displayed for the first time at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

Presented to the four National Health Services of the United Kingdom, by Her Majesty The Queen in July 2022, the George Cross recognises over 70 years of service and the extraordinary response of NHS staff across the country to the Covid‑19 pandemic.

Instituted in 1940, the George Cross is the UK’s highest civilian gallantry award, equivalent to the military Victoria Cross and is given for acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger. It is only the third time in the award’s 83-year history that the honour has been presented to an organisation.

The George Cross was displayed in the hospital’s restaurant, learning centre and atrium. Arrangements are also being made for the medal to be displayed at a number of other sites across NHS Forth Valley over the next few months to give as many local staff, patients and visitors the opportunity to see it.

Caroline Watson, a Team Lead in NHS Forth Valley’s Practice Development Unit, who helped make the arrangements to bring the George Cross to NHS Forth Valley, said: “It’s quite emotional just knowing that this is the highest civilian honour that can be awarded.

“Seeing the faces of local staff was also really special and many members of the public who came over to see the medal offered their congratulations and said it was an amazing achievement. It was great for local staff to get this recognition and feedback and to celebrate this success.”

Hazel Webb, AHP Coordinator for Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity for staff to have the recognition for all the amazing work they do each day to support local patients and families.

“It’s also lovely to see a medal which you have seen many times in the media and to think that this has been given to us.”