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209 Education NMH Annual Rep t | 2020 COVID-19 Commemorative Medals All staff who worked at The National Maternity Hospital through 2020 have been awarded an exclusively designed, Commemorative Medal in recognition of their vital work during the Coronavirus Pandemic. The medal is a symbol of gratitude for all staff who have helped keep the hospital's patients and each other safe through Covid-19. Speaking about the special medals, Prof Shane Higgins, Master at The NMH said, 'Late last year, our Executive Management Team came together to discuss how we could say a sincere, tangible thank you to our staff who continue to show up each and every day with unfailing dedication and incredible strength, despite the pandemic. It was at this meeting that the idea of a bespoke, commemorative medal was born." "Roger McMorrow, Clinical Director at The NMH commissioned the medal and led its design" continued Prof Higgins. "Our staff are essentially the beating heart of The NMH and we will be forever in their debt for their continued, unwavering support and service. We hope that it will have a strong symbolic value for every person for many years to come." One side of the medal displays an engraved picture of the hospital building surrounded by the words, Trusted, Responsive and Inspiring, with each word separated by a coronavirus symbol. The other side has the Hospital Crest in the centre with the words "For your dedication and service during the Coronavirus Pandemic 2020". The medals were presented in March 2021, one year after the onset of the pandemic in Ireland. Emotion was palpable as staff received them with many saying it was "something special to keep for the grandkids." The images show some staff across various departments with their medal; other images are scattered throughout the report.