2026 advice from Academy of Royal Medical Colleges – part of “Please write to me” guidance, previously just about clinic letters:

A list of the patient’s problems or diagnoses

• A brief description of the episode of care
• A record of investigations and procedures requested, results and plans
• Any known allergies, intolerances or adverse reactions
• Medications and medical equipment, with changes highlighted
• Actions to be taken by the patient, secondary care clinician and primary care team.

A section of the discharge letter should be written to the patient:

• The reason they came to hospital
• What was done during the hospital stay
• What they can do to help themselves
• What they should watch for or monitor
• What they should do if they have questions or concerns, with a hospital telephone number and email address (safety-netting)