Family and carer update template
Written for a reader without clinical training.
- What has happened
- Plain-language summary.
- What we are doing now
- Current plan, new medication, appointments made.
- What to watch for at home
- Symptoms that mean an earlier review or a call to the rooms.
The practice records the patient's agreement to share clinical information with the named person before the letter goes out. Consent.
Worked examples
Family update · during an admission Nolan, Rita · 84F · Synthetic patient
What has happened Your mother was admitted on Tuesday with a chest infection. She has been having antibiotics through a drip since then. What we are doing now Her antibiotics change to tablets today. The physiotherapist is seeing her each morning to help her walking and her breathing. What to watch for at home Once she is home, call us if she becomes short of breath at rest, develops a fever again, or is too drowsy to take her tablets.
Family update · after a stroke Byrne, Frank · 77M · Synthetic patient
What has happened Your father had a stroke affecting the left side of his brain two weeks ago. His speech and the strength in his right arm have been improving since. What we are doing now He has moved to the rehabilitation ward. Speech therapy is twice a day and he is on a blood thinner to lower the chance of another stroke. What to watch for at home Call an ambulance on 000 for sudden weakness, drooping of the face, or trouble speaking. Call our rooms if he is unsteady on his feet or has been falling.
