This fortnight I promised fans of plans a rights and compliance-themed Philosopher-in-Residence blog edition. So you weren’t yawning away the intervening two weeks, I also pledged this would have a clear Make Me A Plan flavour. Here goes!

There are two dictionary definitions of doctoring: the profession of being a doctor (perhaps the lesser-used version nowadays) and to alter or falsify documents or materials.

The past few features in this blog have encouraged an inquisitive mind and asking for evidence, so this doctoring-themed discourse will continue along that path with some basic rights and regs that we all may have forgotten in the serotonin-shattering sequences of the past couple of years.

Doctoring the Profession

You have the right to access your health records, to get a copy of your test results, to have a second opinion, to chase up overdue referrals, to complain to the practice/governance manager if you aren’t happy with the care you have received, to join a Patient Participation Group, to receive a care plan when leaving hospital, to ask PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) to help on your behalf on any matters of concern, to contact your local Healthwatch for advice and to ask your MP to intervene in any major issues. How many out of this top ten have you invoked? And how many do you think you should have considered?

NB – Invoking your rights isn’t being negative – it’s helping keep everyone safe and sound.

Doctoring the Truth

Would you know the truth if it bit you on the nose? That may sound like an affront at first glance. I’m sure you trusty members of Plankind don’t rank yourselves alongside known propagandists, flagrant image and fact editors.

But having a completely truth-filled, un-doctored day can be harder than you think. You may have to comply with things with which you do not agree (the law of the land). You may have to show things you think are flaws. You may have to put your head above the parapet. Scary stuff, but empowering nonetheless. Here is MMAP’s top ten menu from which to dine when it comes to doctoring out the doctoring from your own daily life.

1. Obey the speed limit religiously.
2. Don’t wear make up.
3. Don’t consume anything that isn’t single-ingredient (check out our nutrition plans section for professional help on this one!)
4. Don’t go on any social media platforms.
5. Use the phone rather than emails all day.
6. Don’t use your mobile phone for anything, for a day.
7. Read a work of fiction and don’t read any non-fiction for the day.
8. Remove yourself from any conversations with negativity or criticisms therein.
9. Spend within your means.
10. Write a list of true things you like about life.

Try it for a day (not all at once!) – you might like it, you’ll definitely value it.

Next fortnight, I’ll be musing On Cornwall, as we approach our fourth birthday.

Please get in touch with any particular aspects of this topic you’d like me to write about.

In the meantime,

Happy Planning

PS If you want some other free tips for your business life, check out the Working Well blog – out fortnightly on Wednesdays, courtesy of Make Me A Plan’s Productivity Expert, Penny Le Kelly. Browse the latest edition here:

https://www.makemeaplan.com/news/making-time-for-strategy/