01

Clarify the coordination need

Outline the type of support being explored without sending identifiable patient information through unconfirmed channels. Clinical assessment and acceptance remain with the receiving hospital.

  • Language and documentation requirements
  • Hospital appointment coordination
  • In-person accompaniment and local arrangements

A responsible handoff

Agree the process before sending records.

  1. 01

    Clarify the enquiry

    Discuss the type of coordination needed without sending identifiable medical information.

    Scope of the enquiry

  2. 02

    Confirm permission and recipients

    Agree who may receive information and how it will be transferred.

    Patient permission and the approved route

  3. 03

    Coordinate the request

    Prepare only what the receiving hospital requests through the agreed process.

    Hospital requirements and responsible contacts

02

Agree the handoff before sharing records

Confirm the patient’s permission, intended recipients and information-transfer process. Referral enquiries do not establish a clinical relationship with the agency or guarantee hospital acceptance.

03

Support continuity of information

The patient’s treating teams determine the clinical follow-up plan. Our coordination role can include helping organize documents and communication within an agreed service scope.

Practical details

Define who owns the next step.

A useful referral handoff identifies a responsible person for each task. Agency communication should complement, rather than replace, communication between the treating clinicians.

  • Who communicates the hospital’s information requirements?
  • Who obtains and records the patient’s permission?
  • Who confirms acceptance and appointments?
  • Who receives the clinical plan after assessment?