The Queen today bestowed the ultimate honour on our health service today when she awarded it the George Cross – saying its staff had worked with courage, compassion and dedication.
The George Cross is given for acts of great heroism or courage in the face of great danger and NHS staff have worked tirelessly during the pandemic.
Who can forget the emotional scenes as we clapped for the heroes during the pandemic.
But the many faces of the NHS has been a source of inspiration and support throughout Hartlepool and County Durham for years. Here are just a handful of reminders of the difference it makes.
1. A bite size memory from 2018
Food for thought as newly qualified practitioner at South Tyneside District Hospital, Nikki Lynn, was pictured with her 70th birthday cup cake on the day that the NHS was 70 years old. Remember this? Photo: Frank Reid
2. Back to 2008
The 60th anniversary of the NHS was celebrated at the Cookson Festival in Bents Park in 2008, with Heather Leach and Sue Hodgson in the photo. Photo: SN
3. A taste of 2010
A healthy eating event in South Tyneside in 2010. It was hosted by the South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust community weight management team. In the picture are Eileen Wallace, Lucy Matheson, Gabrielle Miller and Megan Saunders. Photo: SN
4. A new addition in 2007
The opening of the new Flagg Court Primary Care Centre 14 years ago. MP David Miliband was pictured meeting health centre staff but were you pictured? Photo: TR