Most discharge letters include a section that summarises the key information of the patient's hospital stay in patient-friendly language, including investigation results, diagnoses, management and follow up. This is often given to the patient at discharge or posted out to the patient's home.

6 Components of a Hospital Discharge Summary Reason for hospitalization: description of the patient's primary presenting condition; and/or. ... Significant findings: ... Procedures and treatment provided: ... Patient's discharge condition: ... Patient and family instructions (as appropriate): ... Attending physician's signature:

A discharge summary plays a crucial role in keeping patients safe after leaving a hospital. As an Advances in Patient Safety report notes, "Hospital discharge summaries serve as the primary documents communicating a patient's care plan to the post-hospital care team.

Essential elements of written discharge instructions Patient name. Physician name. Purpose of discharge instruction. Diagnosis/expected course. Potential complications. Patient instruction.

Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs.: I am writing to formally discharge you as a patient from my medical practice. Between now and (date one month from today), we will provide you emergency care as needed. This should allow you amply time to find another practice to provide your podiatric care.

6 Components of a Hospital Discharge Summary Reason for hospitalization: description of the patient's primary presenting condition; and/or. ... Significant findings: ... Procedures and treatment provided: ... Patient's discharge condition: ... Patient and family instructions (as appropriate): ... Attending physician's signature: