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If you’re preparing for the OET Writing sub-test, one of the most important tasks you’ll face is writing referral and discharge letters. These letters don’t just matter for the exam—they reflect real-world communication in healthcare, where accuracy, clarity, and professionalism can directly affect patient care.

This guide will show you step by step how to write effective letters, use the right format, avoid mistakes, and score better on test day.

What is an OET Referral or Discharge Letter?

  • Referral Letter: Sent when a patient needs continued care, further investigations, or specialist attention. A referral letter is definitely more than an OET Writing Sub-Test prerequisite. It serves as one of the major communication means in real healthcare practice because it ensures continued care in the most correct manner; it ensures passing information along between professionals.
  • Discharge Letter: Written when a patient is discharged from hospital, summarizing treatment, progress, and follow-up instructions. A discharge letter is addressed to a medical practitioner (such as a GP, nurse, or specialist) to notify him/her of a patient’s stay in the hospital, treatment done, current status, and follow-up that is needed. The tone is formal and clinical, and the letter must reflect professional communication between physicians.

In both cases, your goal is to convey relevant patient information clearly and professionally, within the exam’s word and time limits.

Key Exam Details You Must Remember

In the OET Writing sub-test, you have to compose one letter within 45 minutes from the provided case notes. For the health profession, the most typical types of letters are referral, discharge, and transfer letters.

  • Duration: 45 minutes (5 minutes for reading case notes and 40 minutes for writing).
  • Word Count: 180-200 words.
  • Focus: The test measures your ability to pick, organize, and write case notes in a clear and professional manner.

OET Referral & Discharge Letter Format

  • Date
  • Recipient’s name and address
  • Salutation (Dear Dr. Banoj, etc.)
  • Re: Patient’s Full Name, Age
  • Paragraph 1 – Introduction: Reason for writing, brief mention of diagnosis/admission
  • Paragraph 2 – Medical Background: Symptoms, relevant medical history
  • Paragraph 3 – Treatment and Progress: Medications, tests, hospital course
  • Paragraph 4 – Discharge Plan: Recommendations, medications, follow-up

Closing Statement

  • Sign-Off (Yours sincerely, followed by your name and designation)

Pro Tips: Keep within the 180–200 word limits and give only information that will be relevant to the future care of the reader.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further details.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The following are the most frequent blunders that may cost you marks:

  • Overloading with irrelevant details
  • Illogical organization
  • Incorrect or inconsistent tenses
  • Inconsistent use of formal register and tone
  • Failing to summarize or categorize similar ideas together

How to Write an Effective OET Letter

  • Read and understand the case notes:Note down significant facts such as admission reason, history of previous medical events, and discharge arrangement. Strike out irrelevant facts.
  • Create a quick outline: Before writing, organize information into reasonable categories. Organize what to write under each paragraph.
  • Be selective and concise:Provide only facts relevant to the purpose and audience of the letter.
  • Use linking words: Connect your ideas with transitions like “Upon admission,” “After treatment,” or “He is now stable and ready for discharge.”
  • Watch for grammar and punctuation:Use proper grammar, especially verb tense. Always proofread for common errors.
  • Practice under timed conditions: Practice under simulated test-day stress to maximize speed and accuracy.

Mastering OET referral and discharge letters is about clarity, structure, and professionalism. If you focus on selecting relevant details, writing logically, and keeping a formal tone, you’ll improve not just your OET score but also your confidence in real-life medical communication.

So, next time you practice, remember: less is more. Keep it concise, keep it professional, and you’ll be writing like a pro in no time.

For more resources, expert guidance, and OET preparation support, visit Western Overseas.