The British Columbia Home Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Programs, also known as the BC HPEN Programs, offer vital support to patients in British Columbia and the Yukon who require specialized nutrition due to gastrointestinal issues. These patients rely on alternative delivery systems for total or supplemental nutrition and hydration. The adult component of the Programs is based at St. Paul's Hospital in downtown Vancouver, while the pediatric component is primarily located at BC Children's Hospital, both of which are part of larger healthcare organizations.
Funding for the BC HPEN Programs is provided by the Provincial Health Services Authority.
The BC Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) Program and the BC Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) Program share similar goals but operate under different care models. Referrals to the Programs can be made through the provided link on the website. The information on the website is intended for use by patients and healthcare professionals associated with the BC HPEN Programs. It is not meant to replace individualized information provided by the Programs or through care at the hospitals.
The BC HPEN Programs website features a News section with updates on events, patient support groups, and news articles related to HPEN Programs. Patients and caregivers can find valuable resources through the Oley Foundation, which offers free information and support for those on home tube feeding and IV feeding. An online community for HPN and HEN consumers and caregivers has been created in partnership with the Oley Foundation and Inspire.
The Events Calendar on the website provides a comprehensive listing of upcoming events at BC HPEN, as well as local and international events related to HPN and HEN Programs. The site is regularly updated with new events, so visitors are encouraged to cheque back for the latest listings. The BC HPEN Programs are dedicated to providing essential support and resources to patients with specialized nutrition needs in the region.