Pediatric Feeding & Swallowing Clinic

Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Clinic Island Health

The Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Service is an interdisciplinary team working in collaboration with families and community partners to:

  • support best practice in assessment and treatment of children and youth with feeding, swallowing and nutrition concerns
  • provide education for families and partners
  • contribute to current knowledge in order to support optimum, safe nutritional health for clients

Services are provided for children and youth from birth to age 19 with:

  • significant feeding/mealtime and oral motor challenges
  • chronic upper respiratory problems
  • poor weight gain and/or failure to thrive
  • needs related to their transition from tube to oral feeding

Assessment and Consult Service

Children using this service may be registered with the Early Intervention Program or School Age Program at QACCH. Families/direct team may be looking for support with:

  • oral motor development for successful feeding/mealtime experiences
  • sensory preferences that affect eating
  • transitioning from tube to oral feeding
  • mealtime and feeding difficulties associated with medical conditions such as GERD

Infants, children and youth referred to this service, generally do not require consultation with the Pediatrician/Medical Advisor or a Videofluoroscopy Swallow Study (VFSS).

Team may consist of:

  • Registered Dietitian
  • Registered Speech-Language Pathologist
  • Registered Nurse
  • Occupational Therapist 

Services provided include:

  • assessment of feeding/mealtime and swallowing difficulties
  • support with transitioning from tube to oral feeding
  • consultation or mentoring with families, caregivers and community professionals
  • educational resources for families and community professionals 

PFSS Tube Feeding Service

This service is for all children who are fed by tube.  Children who are fed by tube require ongoing follow-up.

This service is only available to those living in the south island region.  Children living in central and the north island are typically followed by a community Registered Dietitian and Registered Nurse.

Team may consist of:

  • Registered Dietitian
  • Registered Nurse
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Registered Speech-Language Pathologist

Services provided may include:

  • nutritional assessment and consultation
  • nursing consultation
  • assessment and consultation for pre-feeding, feeding and mealtime success
  • education and training for community professionals and families
  • support with transitioning from tube feeding to oral intake

General Information on Pediatric Feeding & Swallowing Clinic

Referral Required?
Required
How to get a Referral

Referrals are accepted from health care professionals, families, physicians, community agencies and/or therapists.

To refer a Child to the Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Service (PFSS) use the PFSS Referral form or contact CYFH-RS Intake

Preparing for Your Visit

If you are coming for a swallow study with Queen Alexandra Centre, please watch this video for an overview of what to expect.

You’ll get to see the machines we use, some of the people you will meet and the places you will visit.

Contact Us

CYFH-RS Intake

Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health
Child and Family Rehab Services

2400 Arbutus Road
Victoria, B.C.
V8N 1V7
250-519-6763
250-519-6967
Fax: 250-519-6918

PFSS service coordination

Christine White - PFSS Coordinator

250-519-5390
Christine.White@islandhealth.ca 

CYF-REHAB Clinic Assistant

250-519-6954

Sally Gilbert - Dietitian

250-519-6708
sally.gilbert@islandhealth.ca 

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Learn About

News & Events

two people playing chess

Resilience and safety grant recipients

People and organizations in communities across the Island Health region will benefit from almost $1.2 million awarded through 29 resilience and safety grants.  

Read more

Child and mother

Children under five years now eligible to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine

Beginning August 2, 2022, all people over the age of six months in B.C. can now receive protection against the COVID-19 virus, following Health Canada’s approval of the vaccine specifically formulated for children between the ages of six months and five years old.

Read more

Woman smiling at camera with text that reads "you don't need to be in crisis to seek support."

Caring conversations on National Child & Youth Mental Health Day

May 7 is National Child & Youth Mental Health Day. On this day, we highlight the fundamental importance of building caring connections and supportive conversations between young people and the adults in their lives.

Read more