Community SLT referrals

Adapting from working in an inpatient setting to working in the community has given me some insight into what makes a good community SLT referral. If i could go back in time......


Ingredients for a good community referral

1. Formal Assessments - e.g. the CAT/ Frenchay or outcome measures such as the DOS. 
2. Baseline - clear information on the client's baseline of function.
3. Goals - goals achieved in hospital, goals which are open and potential community goals.
4. Background information - regular visitors? living with family? 
5. Send the referral (nhs.net email or fax + check if received) the day before or two days before discharge and call to handover any complications.