FROM THE LITERACY PARTNERS OF MANITOBA
www.mb.literacy.ca
(reprinted with permission)

Referral letter (original; see next page for revisions)

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing to you at this time to advise you that I have received a referral for you/your child to have a hearing test. The referral was dated upon receipt and is being held on the waiting list accordingly.

There was a four-month service disruption caused by the relocation of audiology to the new Primary Health Care Centre, so my waiting list is presently 5 or 6 months due to the backlog. In accordance with our mandate children are given a prioritized status and every effort will be made to see them as soon as possible. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

The schedule is booked in 6-week blocks, so it may be a few months before you hear from us, regarding an appointment booking. When your name comes up to be booked, we will contact you. Please contact us if your address or phone number changes (Audiology Reception 123-4567). In the event that you are unable to make your appointment, I would appreciate it if you call in advance to cancel. If you do so, you will be given the next available appointment. In fairness to all who are waiting, anyone who does not show for their appointment and who has not called in advance will be moved to the end of the waiting list.

There are waiting lists at all of the other regional centres where hearing testing is funded by the government. For anyone wishing to obtain service more quickly, there is the option of being seen by one of the audiologists in a private clinic (see listing on back page). Please note that there may be charges for testing at private clinics and not all clinics are set up to test children, especially young children. For questions regarding costs and services you must contact the private clinics directly.

I hope that you will find this information helpful and I look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely,

[Flesch-Kincaid reading level = 9.8]