At the start of summer Terry Geraghty, an Emergency Planner from Sheffield Health and Social NHS Foundation Trust, was invited to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to thank him for his service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On a day-to-day basis Terry ensures that the Trust has suitable plans in place to respond to and manage major incidents, business continuity incidents and critical incidents.  

Terry has worked tirelessly coordinating the organisation’s work during numerous lockdowns and changes of guidance in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep mental health, learning disability and substance misuse services running for the people of Sheffield.

He was a key part of the ‘command structure’, meaning he interpreted national guidance and helped to consider what we would need to do in our services.  

Speaking about his day at Buckingham Palace Terry said, “It was a lovely day despite the rain. I took my wife with me and it was a great excuse to dress up. Everyone was made to feel very special! The gardens are lovely (as you would imagine) and you wouldn’t know you were in the heart of London. 

“There were two military bands set up in marquees playing at opposite ends of the garden. They were from the RAF and the Guards.  The catering tent was 100 yards or more long with serving stations every few feet so you never had to queue despite the numbers.  It was hosted by Prince Charles and Camilla, together with the Duke and Duchess of Kent.

“I was nominated by SHSC for services to the organisation during the pandemic. I was both surprised and honoured to have been offered one of the places.”