Pediatric IV Outpatient Therapy (PIVOT)

The Pediatric IV Outpatient Therapy (PIVOT) Clinic teaches you to give your child or youth intravenous (IV) antibiotics at home, and to manage their central line.

The PIVOT Clinic organizes IV treatments for children and youth. It helps parents and caregivers give their child or youth IV antibiotics at home, and learn how to manage their central line.

Your child or youth may be eligible for the PIVOT Clinic if they meet the following criteria*:

Need five or more days of IV antimicrobial treatment
Otherwise medically appropriate to receive care in the community
Have caregivers interested in providing this care at home
Have central venous access (PICC, port, tunnelled CVC) or are waiting for a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter)

*Please note: meeting the basic eligibility criteria does not guarantee acceptance into PIVOT.

We coordinate with a community pharmacy to deliver all your child or youth's medications and supplies to the place you are living. We provide the training and information you and other caregivers need to manage the lines and devices your child or youth will use for treatment.

Referral information

Your child or youth needs a referral from a health-care provider to participate in this program. To learn more about the referral process, visit the PIVOT referral page.

Appointment details

Your first visit will typically be in person at BC Children's Hospital. In some cases, we may schedule it virtually. You may receive care at your local community health centre afterwards.

Preparing for your appointment

Bring your BC Care Card / Service Card and any written information or hospital records your referring doctor has prepared for us
Come to the Medical Day Unit (Entrance 11). The Medical Day Unit is on the hospital's second floor in Area 2C. Take the elevator from the first floor of the main BC Children's Hospital building to the second floor and follow the signs. There are also volunteers who can point you in the right direction

If possible, please arrange for the childcare of siblings while you attend your appointment. BC Children’s Hospital has a dedicated Sibling Support Centre that provides safe, short-term sibling support for up to two hours.

After your appointment

After your child or youth returns to your community from the hospital, as their parent or caregiver, you are responsible for administering their treatment. You must do this as prescribed and taught in the PIVOT Clinic. You must bring your child or youth to a nurse once weekly for dressing and cap changes on their central venous line. These appointments may be at BC Children's Hospital or at your local community health centre.

Contact us

The PIVOT Clinic provides services from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address:
4500 Oak Street
Vancouver, BC
V6H 3N1

Phone or text: 604-862-6824
Fax: 236-429-3630
Email: PIVOTclinic@cw.bc.ca

Call the PIVOT nurse clinician from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. if you have any questions or problems. We may offer virtual health appointments to troubleshoot issues and reduce the need for in-person appointments. You can also find links to reference documents and videos on our patient and family resources page.