Colleagues attend moving service at Westminster Abbey
On the 75th anniversary of the NHS, a few lucky members of staff were nominated to attend a service at Westminster Abbey honouring those who have contributed to its remarkable journey.
Those lucky enough to attend this memorable occasion were Tamsin Enticknap-Green, Mike Brown, Kathleen Etherington, Fancy Nixon and Maria Ashworth. Sandie Jackson from the South Central Ambulance Service also attended to represent Royal Surrey.
Tamsin Enticknap-Green, Deputy Director of Nursing & Multidisciplinary Education at Royal Surrey, said:
“I was truly honoured to have been able to attend the service and very grateful for being nominated. It was an absolute highlight of my NHS journey which has spanned 33 years and a very moving day that I will never forget.”
Led by the Dean of Westminster and attended by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the event brought together health service leaders from all four nations.
As the service began, the George Cross, awarded to the NHS last year, was taken to the altar by May Parsons, the nurse who administered the world's first Covid-19 vaccine.
The George Cross, the highest civilian award for gallantry, was presented to the NHS by Elizabeth II in recognition of its service to the country since its launch, including the exceptional efforts of its staff and volunteers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England, gave an address where she said of the health service:
“We come together today not to celebrate an idea, but to celebrate all those who have breathed life into it, who have made it mean something real to tens of millions of people over three-quarters of a century, and who continue to give us hope for the future.”