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