I do love a list, don’t you? Especially as I get older, I find lists are even more important. Half the time I forget my children’s and dogs’ names and find myself mixing them up; my son responds to Bailey these days!

Anyway, I’m pleased to announce I’m lucky enough to be going on my holidays soon. On an actual plane! I’ve downloaded my holiday packing list: the blow-up pillow I’ll use once, copious amounts of mosquito deterrent, buckets of factor 50, along with some new shorts that will never ever be worn in the UK, an array of ‘hide your body’ beachwear and a huge hat.

You may well ask, why on earth did I book a holiday in the sun?!

Anyway, the holiday list is done, and I’m almost ready to fight my way into the airport and queue for three hours to enjoy the delights of being squashed on a plane with my new Wordle quiz book to keep me occupied.

Sounds like torture, doesn’t it? But, hey, most importantly – I won’t be at work!

Which leads me to ‘our’ handy holiday list.

The practice manager’s holiday preparation list:

This is mine so far. If you have anything to add, please do!

• Prioritise what needs doing before you go – payroll, claims, etc.
• Read all the ‘to be done’ tasks for the holiday duration – action, complete or delete!
• Get up to date with emails – an impossible dream, I know
• Make sure all communication is up to date – oh, look at that pig flying by!
• Pay all invoices
• Delegate anything that can be done when away – wishful thinking, I know
• Update deputy on current projects/complaints/significant events
• Tidy your desk – if you can find it
• Clear your calendar until the day after your return (the first day back will be spent reading those emails!)
• Let people know you won’t be here – partners, all the staff, main contacts
• You know the toilet will get blocked while you’re away – forward that list of traders
• Resend the business continuity plan; we all know it’s usually filed under BIN!

Finally, put an ‘out of office’ notice on your emails and phone, lock the door… and RUN!

Happy holidays! Please make sure you take a break, and definitely no working from that sun lounger!

PM Polly