Writing a referral note and telling people to go to the health facility is not the problem. As we have discussed already, the problem is getting them to the appropriate facility where they will receive the right care. What else helps to make a referral happen effectively?

Good Documentation

During pregnancy, every mother should be advised to get prepared for birth, including what to do if emergency problems occur either in the baby or herself. You should have the standard counselling card from your Region to help you convince the mother and other caregivers to agree to a referral if necessary.

In other words, if you tell them she or the baby needs specialist help and treatment from a higher-level health facility; they should be ready to trust your judgment and go.

Your referral note should cover the following:

• 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.
• Your address so that the health facility can communicate back to you; and if possible include your phone number with your address.