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Vancouver Pediatric Team

The Vancouver Pediatric Team (VPT) is a city-wide, interdisciplinary team that helps children and youth lead active and healthy lives at school and in the community. We offer various services depending on the child's needs, which include nursing support services, pediatric community nursing and school-aged therapy services.

Hours of operation

Currently open
  • Monday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Friday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday:   Closed
  • Sunday:   Closed

How to get here

Paid street parking is available. There is also free street parking available close to the building. Accessible by transit on the #16 bus line.

Nursing support services

  • Eligibility: The nursing team supports children who are ages 0 to 19 years old who need delegated procedures and care.
  • Referral: A referral from a doctor or Nurse Practitioner is required. To make a referral, email/fax the NSS referral form to the contact information listed on the form.

What nursing support services include

  • train and monitor school staff to care for children requiring nursing procedures, such as diabetes management including insulin administration, intermittent catheterization, oral suctioning, and tube feeding
  • assess children with complex medical needs for respite nursing care at home and school
  • request supplies and equipment through At Home Medical Benefits for children on our caseload
  • complete eligibility assessments for the At Home Program supported through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD)

For more information, visit bcchildrens.ca

Pediatric community nursing

What pediatric community nursing services include

  • advocate for and support families to care for their children with complex care needs
  • provide education and support for nursing procedures such as wound care, respiratory/cardiac assessments, injections, and feeding tube support for children at home
  • help families to navigate the health care system to best support their child’s health-care needs

School-age therapy

Eligibility: School-aged children/youth with neurodevelopmental delays, who attend Vancouver Public Schools from Kindergarten to the end of high school.

Referrals: 

What school-age therapy includes

  • provide consultative services to schools for children requiring the scope of an Occupational Therapist and/or Physiotherapist to support inclusion and participation at school
  • teach and support school staff to assist children with neurodevelopmental delays i.e. wheelchair transfers and mobility, toileting transfers, modified feeding supports, modified PE curriculum, and alternative positioning supports
  • provide education and in-services to school staff to support inclusive strategies for those children experiencing significant barriers to participation

Learn more below about occupational therapy (OT), Physiotherapy (PT) and social work. 

  • Occupational therapy

    Provides consultation for: 

    • activities of Daily Living/Self-Care (feeding, toileting, dressing, leisure activities)
    • musculoskeletal needs (postural alignment, joint function/protection, splinting)
    • support with fatigue and/or pain management
    • significant challenges with sensory regulation impacting participation in school
    • participation in learning activities through the use of assistive technology, modifications, and environmental controls
    • short-term support after discharge from hospital

    OT Services Information

  • Physiotherapy

    Support children needing:

    • wheelchairs and other necessary equipment (standing frames, walkers, special needs tricycles, orthoses)
    • assistance or support with walking/mobility (transferring, stairs, use of gait aids)
    • exercises with modifications to address specific musculoskeletal needs (postural alignment, joint function, joint protection, gross motor, leisure activities)
    • modifications to the standard physical education program, as requested by the teacher or school support staff
    • specialized support with Activities of Daily Living (toileting, dressing, leisure activities)
    • cardiorespiratory support (breath control & secretion clearance)
    • support with fatigue and/or pain management
    • a safe, accessible environment at school for children who use mobility aids (crutches, walkers, wheelchairs)
    • short-term support after discharge from the hospital

    PT Services Information

  • Social worker

    Supports children and families who are already on the caseload of a member of the Vancouver Paediatric Team and can help families with a range of services such as:

    • Provide information and support to families regarding a variety of issues related to raising a child with medical complexities and/or support needs.
    • Support with navigating financial, healthcare, education, child welfare, community, and other systems.
    • Advocate for access to eligible government benefits and support with funding applications.
    • Provide psychoeducation, supportive counselling, and referrals to appropriate local community resources.
    • Collaborate and liaise with community partners and other professionals involved to ensure comprehensive and holistic support that addresses the child's development and well-being.

    Social work services are accessed by the VPT internally.

Resources

Learn about the location

Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre

Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre provides services for people of all ages. The centre works with community organizations and health-care providers, such as your family doctor, to keep people and communities healthy.

Learn about the service

Paediatric Teams

Our community-based paediatric teams help infants, children and youth participate in active, healthy lives in their homes, schools, and communities by providing services in Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. Populations served, and services available vary by location.