Mastering the OET Writing Discharge Letter Sample: Your Guide to Clear Communication

Dear Dr. Emily Carter, Subject: Discharge Summary - Mr. John Smith (DOB: 15/03/1960) This letter is to inform you of the discharge of Mr. John Smith from our care today, 26/10/2023, following his admission for management of community-acquired pneumonia. Mr. Smith was admitted on 20/10/2023 with a five-day history of cough, fever, and shortness of breath. On admission, his vital signs were stable, and chest X-ray revealed consolidation in the right lower lobe. He was commenced on intravenous antibiotics (Ceftriaxone and Azithromycin) and oxygen therapy. His condition improved significantly over the following days. He tolerated oral intake well and his oxygen requirements decreased. He has been switched to oral Amoxicillin 500mg three times daily for a total of 7 days. He is now afebrile and breathing comfortably. We have reviewed his medications, and he will continue his usual home medications, including Lisinopril 10mg once daily. We recommend continued rest and adequate hydration. A follow-up appointment with your practice is scheduled for two weeks from today for a review of his progress and to consider a repeat chest X-ray if clinically indicated. Please advise Mr. Smith to return to the hospital if he develops increasing shortness of breath, fever, or chest pain. Thank you for your ongoing care of Mr. Smith. Sincerely, Dr. Anya Sharma General Physician City General Hospital

Dear Dr. Robert Jones, Subject: Discharge Summary - Ms. Sarah Lee (DOB: 10/07/1985) - Appendectomy This letter summarizes the hospital stay and discharge plan for Ms. Sarah Lee, who underwent an uncomplicated laparoscopic appendectomy on 23/10/2023. She is being discharged today, 25/10/2023. Ms. Lee was admitted with acute appendicitis. She tolerated the laparoscopic appendectomy well with no intra-operative or post-operative complications. Her pain is well-controlled with oral analgesia (Paracetamol 1000mg every 6 hours as needed, Ibuprofen 400mg every 8 hours as needed). Her incisional wounds are clean, dry, and intact. She has resumed a normal diet and bowel function. Her discharge medications include:

• Paracetamol 500mg tablets - 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed for pain.
• Ibuprofen 400mg tablets - 1 tablet every 8 hours as needed for pain.

She is advised to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for two weeks. She can resume light daily activities as tolerated. A follow-up appointment with the surgical outpatient clinic is scheduled for 4 weeks post-operatively. She should seek immediate medical attention if she experiences any signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, pus from wounds, fever) or significant abdominal pain. We appreciate your continued management of Ms. Lee. Sincerely, Dr. David Chen General Surgeon Community Medical Center

Dear Maplewood Nursing Home Admissions, Subject: Admission Information - Mr. George Brown (DOB: 01/01/1945) Please accept this letter as notification of the transfer of Mr. George Brown from our Geriatric Ward to your facility, effective 26/10/2023. Mr. Brown has been a patient with us since 10/10/2023 due to a fall resulting in a hip fracture, for which he underwent a successful hip replacement surgery. Mr. Brown’s rehabilitation has progressed well, and he is now medically stable for transfer to a long-term care facility. He is mobile with the assistance of a walker and requires minimal supervision for his activities of daily living. He is currently prescribed the following medications:

1. Aspirin 75mg once daily
2. Paracetamol 500mg three times daily as needed for pain
3. Calcitriol 0.25mcg once daily

His dietary needs are a regular diet, with no allergies noted. He is continent of urine and bowel. He has been assessed by physiotherapy and occupational therapy and is deemed safe to transfer. We have provided all necessary medical records, including his surgical report and medication chart. We trust that Mr. Brown will settle in well at Maplewood Nursing Home. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further information. Sincerely, Nurse Practitioner Emily Davis City Hospital Geriatric Ward

Dear Dr. Sarah Miller, Subject: Patient Discharge Against Medical Advice - Mr. Robert Green (DOB: 20/05/1970) This letter is to inform you that Mr. Robert Green, your patient admitted on 24/10/2023 with chest pain, has signed himself out against medical advice (AMA) today, 26/10/2023, at approximately 14:00 hours. Mr. Green was admitted for investigation of ongoing chest pain. During his stay, he underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG) which showed no acute changes, and initial cardiac enzyme tests were within normal limits. He was being prepared for a cardiology consultation and further diagnostic workup. However, Mr. Green expressed his desire to leave the hospital, stating he felt well enough and had personal commitments. Extensive efforts were made by the medical team to discuss the potential risks and benefits of continuing hospitalization. He was informed of the possibility of a serious underlying cardiac condition, the importance of further investigations, and the risks associated with leaving against medical advice, including potential deterioration and the need for immediate re-evaluation if symptoms recur or worsen. He verbalized understanding of these risks and insisted on discharge. We have provided him with a copy of his current medical information and advised him to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency department if he experiences any recurrence of chest pain, shortness of breath, or any other concerning symptoms. We have also asked him to follow up with you urgently. Please ensure Mr. Green is aware of the ongoing risks. Sincerely, Dr. Benjamin Lee Emergency Medicine Resident St. Jude's Hospital

Dear Dr. Emily Green, Subject: Discharge Summary - Lily Davies (DOB: 15/04/2022) This letter is to summarize the hospital stay and discharge plan for Lily Davies, who was admitted on 22/10/2023 with gastroenteritis. She is being discharged today, 25/10/2023, in a stable condition. Lily presented with vomiting and diarrhea, leading to mild dehydration. She was managed with intravenous fluids and oral rehydration therapy. Her symptoms have significantly improved, she is tolerating oral feeds well, and her stools have normalized. She is her usual cheerful self and has no signs of fever. Her discharge medications include:

• Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) - continue as needed.
• Probiotic sachet - one sachet daily for 7 days.

We advise continued small, frequent feeds of easily digestible food. She should continue to receive plenty of fluids. Please monitor for any signs of dehydration (e.g., decreased urination, dry mouth, lethargy) or worsening vomiting/diarrhea. A review with your practice is recommended in 3-5 days, or sooner if concerns arise. Please advise parents to attend the nearest emergency department if Lily becomes significantly unwell. Thank you for your continued care of Lily. Sincerely, Dr. Michael Brown Pediatrician City Children's Hospital

Dear Dr. Mark Peterson, Subject: Discharge Summary - Mrs. Eleanor Vance (DOB: 12/09/1930) - Heart Failure Exacerbation This letter details the discharge of Mrs. Eleanor Vance from our Cardiology Unit today, 26/10/2023, following management of an acute exacerbation of her chronic heart failure. Mrs. Vance was admitted on 20/10/2023 with increased shortness of breath, ankle swelling, and weight gain. She was treated with intravenous diuretics, and her symptoms have resolved. She is now euvolemic, and her respiratory status has improved significantly. Her home medications have been reviewed and adjusted. Her discharge medications are:

1. Furosemide 40mg - 1 tablet daily
2. Ramipril 5mg - 1 tablet twice daily
3. Bisoprolol 2.5mg - 1 tablet daily
4. Spironolactone 25mg - 1 tablet daily

We have arranged for home nursing visits twice weekly for the next two weeks to monitor her fluid balance, medication compliance, and general well-being. She has been advised on a low-sodium diet and the importance of daily weight monitoring at home, reporting any gain of more than 2kg in 24 hours to your practice immediately. She has also been instructed to report any worsening shortness of breath or leg swelling. A follow-up appointment with your clinic is scheduled for 2 weeks from today. Thank you for your collaboration in Mrs. Vance’s care. Sincerely, Dr. Olivia King Cardiologist Metropolitan General Hospital

Dear Dr. James White, Subject: Discharge Summary - Mr. Alan Davies (DOB: 18/11/1955) - Polymedicated Patient Mr. Alan Davies is being discharged today, 26/10/2023, following his admission for management of a urinary tract infection and review of his complex medication regimen. Mr. Davies has multiple chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. During this admission, his urinary tract infection was treated with a 7-day course of Ciprofloxacin, which he has completed. We have meticulously reviewed his current medications to optimize his management and reduce polypharmacy where possible. His discharge medication list is extensive and requires careful management. It includes:

• Metformin 1000mg twice daily
• Gliclazide 80mg once daily
• Amlodipine 10mg once daily
• Losartan 50mg twice daily
• Atorvastatin 40mg once daily at night
• Warfarin 5mg once daily (target INR 2.0-3.0) - requires regular INR monitoring
• Omeprazole 20mg once daily
• Aspirin 75mg once daily

We have provided Mr. Davies with a detailed medication chart and have counselled him extensively on the purpose and timing of each medication, emphasizing the importance of regular INR monitoring. A referral to the community pharmacist for medication review and patient education has been made. Please arrange for his first INR check within 48 hours of discharge and subsequent monitoring as per your usual protocol. We have also advised him to report any unusual bruising or bleeding. A follow-up appointment with your practice is scheduled for 10 days from today. Sincerely, Dr. Katherine Bell Internal Medicine Specialist City Central Hospital