Finally, you need to know what to do if you are making a referral – sending a client for additional health services and specialised care at a higher level health facility. You should complete a referral form in full and sign and date it, then make sure it goes to the health facility with the patient; it also has a space for feedback to you by the health facility about what treatment they have given.

If you do not have the standard referral form, you should write a note to the health facility that contains the key information.

Referral note

Date of the referral and time
Name of the health facility you are sending the patient to
Name, date of birth, ID number (if known) and address of the patient
Relevant medical history of the patient
Your findings from physical examinations and tests
Your suspected diagnosis
Any treatment you have given to the patient
Your reason for referring the patient
Your name, date and signature.