Contents of this page: discharge letter templates for surgical patients (emergency & elective), disclaimers, information for GP, information given to patients; more information regarding specific procedures; discharge letter templates for medical patients

Note: if you work specifically where I work, you might find this more handy

Discharge letter templates

Surgical patients

Summary:

Emergency admissions (eg via ED / SAU)

Name is a blank-year-old lady who presented to PLACE on DATE with (symptoms). On examination, … [Describe investigations and findings.] She then underwent [procedure] under general anaesthesia. [Describe intra or post-operative complications.] As she is now clinically stable, we are now discharging her.

Name is a blank-year-old gentleman who presented to PLACE on DATE with (symptoms). On examination, … [Describe investigations and findings.] He then underwent [procedure] under general anaesthesia. [Describe intra or post-operative complications.] As he is now clinically stable, we are now discharging him.

Elective admissions for specific procedures

Name is a blank-year-old lady who underwent an elective [procedure] under general anaesthesia on DATE. There were no intra- or post-operative complications. As she is now clinically stable, we are now discharging her.

Name is a blank-year-old gentleman who underwent an elective [procedure] under general anaesthesia on DATE. There were no intra- or post-operative complications. As he is now clinically stable, we are now discharging him.

Disclaimers to add at end of discharge letters

Kindly note that this discharge summary has been prepared based on documentation by my colleagues; this doctor has not been personally involved in the management of this patient.

Kindly note that this discharge summary has been prepared by a colleague; this doctor has not been personally involved in the management of this patient.

Information given to GP:

Dear colleague, kindly note the recent admission of this patient.

[Add on any instructions regarding medications or follow-up if applicable.]

Information given to patients:

Please go to your nearest A&E should you become unwell after your operation (e.g. if you experience uncontrollable pain, if you develop a high fever, or if bleeding at your wound site does not stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes).

Please go to your nearest A&E should you become unwell after your discharge (e.g. if you experience uncontrollable pain, or if you develop a high fever).

Please do not drive for at least 2 weeks after your surgery, or until you are pain-free and able to perform an emergency stop without pain.

After your discharge please leave your dressings on for 48 hours and keep the area clean and dry. It is fine to shower starting around 48 hours after surgery but no baths, pools or hot tubs for at least 2 weeks.