OET Writing Task (Nursing – Discharge Letter) with Model Answer

Case Notes:

Patient Name: Mr John Carter
DOB: 12/05/1965
Address: 14 Green Lane, Manchester

Admission Date: 10 March 2026
Discharge Date: 18 March 2026

Diagnosis: Type 2 Diabetes with infected foot ulcer

Medical History:

• Hypertension

• Overweight (BMI 31)

• Smoker (10 cigarettes/day)

Social Background:

• Lives alone

• Works as a taxi driver

• Limited physical activity

On Admission:

• Complaints: Painful, swollen right foot ulcer (2 weeks)

• Blood glucose: 16 mmol/L

• Temperature: 38.2°C

• Wound infected

Treatment in Hospital:

• IV antibiotics (7 days)

• Wound debridement

• Insulin therapy initiated

• Blood glucose monitoring

• Dietician review

Progress:

• Infection improved

• Blood glucose stabilised (6–8 mmol/L)

• Wound healing, but still requires care

Discharge Plan:

• Oral antibiotics (5 days)

• Insulin (continue insulin therapy)

• Daily wound dressing required

• Smoking cessation advised

• Follow-up with diabetic clinic

Writing Task:

Using the information above, write a letter to the Community Nurse at Green Lane Health Centre to request ongoing care.

In your answer:

• Expand the relevant notes into complete sentences

• Do NOT include irrelevant information

Write approximately 180–200 words

Green Lane Health Centre
14 Green Lane
Manchester

18 March 2026

Dear Community Nurse,

Re: Mr John Carter, DOB: 12/05/1965

I am writing to request ongoing community care for Mr Carter, who is being discharged today following treatment for an infected right foot ulcer associated with Type 2 Diabetes.

Mr Carter was admitted on 10 March 2026 with a two-week history of a painful, swollen foot ulcer. On admission, his blood glucose level was significantly elevated (16 mmol/L), and he was febrile with a temperature of 38.2°C. He was treated with a seven-day course of intravenous antibiotics, underwent wound debridement, and was commenced on insulin therapy to improve glycaemic control.

During his hospital stay, his condition improved considerably. His blood glucose levels have stabilised between 6 and 8 mmol/L, and the infection has resolved. However, the wound is still healing and requires ongoing care.

On discharge, Mr Carter has been prescribed a five-day course of oral antibiotics and will continue insulin therapy. He requires daily wound dressing and monitoring of his blood glucose levels. Additionally, he has been advised regarding smoking cessation and lifestyle modifications.

Given that Mr Carter lives alone, your support with wound care and monitoring would be greatly appreciated. He will also attend follow-up at the diabetic clinic.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if further information is required.

Yours sincerely,
Staff Nurse