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Endocrine Clinic

Children are referred to the Endocrine Clinic for an assessment (check-up) focused on growth and hormone function. The clinic has a multidisciplinary approach to taking care of children and families, and you may meet several members of the endocrine team.

Your first appointment (top)

Your doctor has referred your child to the Endocrinology Clinic. You have recently received a phone call to book your appointment.

Note: If you need to cancel, please contact the clinic as soon as possible (preferably, more than 48 hours in advance), so that your appointment time can be used by another patient.

If your child has been in contact with any infectious diseases (e.g. chicken pox or measles) during the three weeks before this appointment, please inform us as soon as possible, as your child may need to be rescheduled.

Where is the Endocrine Clinic located? (top)

British Columbia's Children's Hospital
4480 Oak Street, Room K2-125
(Children's Ambulatory Care Building, 2nd floor, Area #12, orange section)
Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4 Canada
Phone: 604-875-2117 / Fax: 604-875-3231

Click here for a map to our clinics.

How long will I be there? (top)

You can get directions to the clinic from the admitting desk in the lobby. Normally, patients are pre-registered and come straight to the clinic. Your first visit will last about two hours. After this time, the doctor will discuss with you the need for further tests (if necessary) which would be done elsewhere in the hospital, and possibly on another day.

What should I bring to the clinic visit? (top)

It is important to your child to make this visit as informative as possible, so the adult(s) who come with him or her should have the best knowledge of the history. If possible, bring previous height and weight measurements.

Please bring the following to each clinic visit:
  • your BC CareCard
  • your blue BC Children’s Hospital card (if you have one)
Many parents find it helpful to bring a list of questions they would like to discuss when they are here.

What will happen during the visit? (top)

You and your child will talk to the nurse, have measurements taken, and then be seen by the clinic endocrinologist. There are a number of pediatric endocrinologists on staff, and if your child is seen again in the future, you may meet a different doctor. The staff endocrinologist may be assisted by a doctor-in-training that will talk to you about your child's health and do a complete physical (check-up) which may include a visual check of the genitalia. You will be with your young child for the entire visit.

Young adults and parents are welcome to see the clinic staff separately, if desired. Based on today's visit and your referring doctor's information, the endocrinologist will discuss the next step of the process with you. Further tests (blood tests, x-rays etc) if necessary, are done elsewhere in the hospital and possibly on another day.

If your child is scared of needles, EMLA® or Ametop™, effective topical anesthetics when applied one to two hours prior to the needle poke, can be used. Ask the nurse about this when you arrive.

You may meet other members of the clinic staff:

  • clerical staff to book appointments
  • an endocrine nurse clinician to help you understand your child's condition and treatment
  • a social worker/counselor who can assist you in coping with the stresses of your child's condition, as well as searching for helpful resources
  • because Children’s is a teaching hospital, you may also meet doctors-in-training (pediatric residents, endocrinology Fellows and medical students)
Can I see a social worker? (top)

Many of our patients or parents would like to see a social worker or counsellor on the first visit. If this is the case, please call us so that we can book an appointment during the time you'll be here.

How will I hear the results? (top)

It may take several weeks or longer for test results to be available. You will be informed of any abnormal test results, as well as discussing possible treatments. A detailed report of your child's assessment will be sent to your referring doctor, and other health professionals at your request. Freedom of Information requests are managed by BC Children’s Hospital Records Management.

Where can I find information about travel assistance, travel and accommodation? (top)

For information about the travel assistance plan, please go to out-of-town families. You can also find out about travel, accommodation and other resources.

What are the follow-up visits like? (top)

We follow most patients every 3–12 months in the clinic, depending on your child's age and diagnosis, how far away you live, and your doctor's wishes. We will arrange a follow-up visit with you before you leave.

Follow-up visits are shorter, about 1–2 hours to see everyone and go to the lab if necessary.

Please let us know your questions and any way we can make this visit more comfortable for you.

Page Last Updated: 13 June 2009