Complex Feeding and Nutrition Referral
The Complex Feeding and Nutrition Service is comprised of six different clinics.
Our clinics include:
- Complex Feeding Clinic
- Steps to Feeding – Tube Transition Clinic
- Swallowing Clinic
- Malnutrition Clinic
- Outpatient Nutrition Clinic
- Intestinal Rehabilitation Program Clinic (CHIRP)
Through these clinics, we provide consultative or ongoing services as appropriate to children and youth with complex feeding and nutritional issues that cannot be addressed in the community. These including medical management, nutrition counselling and feeding therapy.
At this time, CHIRP is the only clinic to provide inpatient and outpatient care to their patients. All other clinics provide outpatient care only.
Autism spectrum disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
We are currently unable to provide ongoing feeding therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). However, we can provide a one-time assessment for children and youth with moderate or severe malnutrition (WFL / BMI < -2 SD / 3rd perc) and for those requiring enteral nutrition.
Referral overview
You must submit all details on the Complex Feeding and Nutrition Service Referral Form. Doctors, nurse practitioners, feeding therapists and registered dietitians can submit referrals.
Referral steps
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Complete a form
Complete the referral form (PDF). Include all details required for a referral, to ensure appropriate triage and decision-making from clinic staff. If appropriate, include pertinent documentation, such as feeding assessments, nutrition assessments, medical reports or surgical reports.
Note: we require an up-to-date growth chart for all referrals.
Referrals for a videofluoroscopic swallowing study must include a radiology requisition. Send referrals for videofluoroscopic swallowing studies for children who have a neuromotor delay to the Developmental Pediatrics (Sunny Hill Health Centre) feeding and nutrition team.
Although peer-to-peer telephone or email communication may be helpful in providing additional data, we will not make a triage decision until the completed referral form has been submitted and reviewed.
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Send the referral
Fax completed referrals to: 778-504-9764 or email them to: cfns@cw.bc.ca.
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Post referral
A member of the team will review the referral and send a letter back to the referring provider with the triage decision. Please consider this a receipt of the referral. Unless specified, no further action is required by referring providers.
We will triage each referral according to the concerns outlined on the referral form. We will direct patients to the resources best suited to meet their needs.
When appropriate, we may recommend that providers redirect the referral to community supports or other specialties at BC Children’s Hospital.
If there is a change in the patient’s condition, referring providers may consider sending an update. We will review this new information and may adjust the triaging status, if appropriate.
Our booking clerk will contact the family directly with the appointment date and time.
Referral forms
Complex Feeding and Nutrition Referral Form
2 MB
Contact information
Email: cfns@cw.bc.ca