Staff from the South Eastern Trust joined colleagues at a special Service of Thanksgiving at St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast to celebrate the award of the George Cross to Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care service.
Organised by RCN Fellow, Martin Bradley, the service was attended by Health Minister, Robbie Butler, MLA, staff from across Health and Social Care and the Department of Health, providing an opportunity to recognise the dedication and commitment of those who have cared for and supported people across Northern Ireland.
The George Cross was awarded to Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care service in recognition of the extraordinary contribution of staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adding a special musical contribution, the South Eastern Trust’s Harmony in Health Choir joined forces with colleagues from the Northern Health Trust to perform at the service.
South Eastern Trust Chairman, Jonathan Patton was delighted to attend the service. Jonathan said, “The Service of Thanksgiving was a very special opportunity to come together with colleagues from across Health and Social Care to reflect on the incredible contribution of our staff and to celebrate the award of the George Cross. The award is a lasting recognition of the compassion, courage and commitment shown by our staff, particularly during the most challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Every member of our HSC family has played their part in caring for patients, supporting families and looking after one another and it was a real privilege to stand alongside colleagues and honour that contribution.
“I was also incredibly proud to see our Harmony in Health Choir perform alongside colleagues from the Northern Trust. Their music brought warmth and a wonderful sense of togetherness to a special service.”
South Eastern Trust, Renal Unit Manager, Amanda Byers was honoured to carry the Florence Nightingale lamp during the service. The lamp is a symbol of nursing and pays tribute to Florence Nightingale’s contribution to nursing and healthcare.
Amanda added, “It was a real honour to be asked to carry the Florence Nightingale lamp during such a significant service. For me, the lamp represents so much of what nursing is about, compassion, kindness and dedication.
“To carry the lamp, surrounded by colleagues from across Health and Social Care, was incredibly meaningful. We have all experienced challenging times throughout our careers and the COVID-19 pandemic tested us in ways we could never have imagined.
“The George Cross is a wonderful recognition of the commitment of Health and Social Care staff and I felt very proud to represent my colleagues and the nursing profession at the service.”