Model OET Letter (450/500 Score)
13 May 2025
Dr. John Mason
Strathfield Medical Centre
Strathfield NSW
Re: Mr. Henry Walters (DOB: 17 March 1943)
Dear Dr. Mason,
I am writing to transfer the care of Mr. Henry Walters, an 81-year-old retired school principal,
who has been treated in hospital for a urinary tract infection (UTI) with associated delirium. He
has made a good recovery and is now being discharged home.
Mr. Walters was admitted on 3 May 2025 with increasing confusion, unsteady gait, and reduced
oral intake over the previous three days. On admission, he was oriented to person only and
showed signs of mild dehydration. Initial investigations confirmed a UTI, with elevated white
cell count, positive urinalysis for nitrates and leukocytes, and normal CT brain and ECG
findings.
He was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone for three days, followed by oral antibiotics. IV fluids
were administered for rehydration. His mental status has gradually improved, and he is now alert
and oriented in all spheres. He is independently mobile with the aid of a walking stick and is
eating and drinking without assistance. However, due to recent confusion, he requires
supervision for medication and meal routines.
Mr. Walters has a history of well-controlled hypertension (diagnosed in 2008), type 2 diabetes
mellitus managed with Metformin since 2011, and mild osteoarthritis in both knees. He lives
alone but receives regular support from his daughter, Anne, who has agreed to supervise his
medications and meals temporarily.
For ongoing care, I would appreciate your support in monitoring his blood pressure and blood
glucose levels. Community nursing has been arranged for this purpose. In addition, home
physiotherapy visits have been organised to support his mobility, and an occupational therapist
will assess his home for safety and recommend any necessary aids.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require further details.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. [Your Name]
[Your Hospital Name]
✅ Guide to Selecting Relevant vs. Irrelevant Case Notes
Section Relevant Notes (Include) Irrelevant Notes (Exclude)
Patient Name, DOB, Age, GP details, emergency Address, marital status (widower),
Details contact (briefly if relevant to supervision) language (fluent English)
Lives alone, daughter visits regularly, Occupation (retired school principal),
Social History
independent before illness non-smoker, non-drinker
No known drug allergies (unless
Medical Hypertension (2008), Diabetes (2011),
relevant to current treatment – here,
History Osteoarthritis (mild, knees)
it’s not)
Confusion, unsteady gait, decreased Specific numbers for HR/BP unless
Presenting
intake, dehydration, UTI diagnosis, critical (e.g., BP was mildly high, not
Condition
investigation results critical here)
Antibiotics (IV/oral), IV fluids,
Hospital Detailed lab values unless clinically
mental/mobility improvement, needs
Course significant
supervision
Follow-up with GP, community nursing,
Discharge Names of hospital doctors/nurses
physiotherapy, OT assessment, daughter’s
Plan unless required
involvement
Purpose of Always include (stated at the end of case Repeating phrases already covered
Letter notes) unless adding new information
📌 Tips for Scoring High in OET Writing Task
1. Content (Score 0–7): Include all relevant case details that impact follow-up care. Omit
personal/non-medical or repetitive facts.
2. Conciseness & Clarity (0–7): Keep your writing focused. Don’t over-explain or include
technical jargon unnecessarily.
3. Genre & Style (0–7): Use formal, objective tone appropriate for medical
communication.
4. Organisation & Layout (0–7): Follow the standard structure: Introduction → Medical
History → Admission & Treatment → Discharge Plan → Request → Closing.
5. Language (0–7): Use accurate grammar, appropriate tenses (past for hospital course,
present for current status), and collocations (e.g., "oriented in all spheres").
