National Poisons Information Service
The National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) is the UK Departments of Health approved, and Public Health England commissioned, national service that provides expert advice on all aspects of acute and chronic poisoning.
The service comprises four individual Units, based in Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Newcastle. Each Unit is staffed by Consultant Clinical Toxicologists and Specialists in Poisons Information who work together to provide a seamless national service that has been established for almost 50 years.
In line with Departments of Health wish, the NPIS promotes, supports and develops best practice for the management of cases of poisoning in NHS facilities.
The National Poisons Information Service is the service to which frontline NHS staff turn for advice on the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients who have been - or may have been - poisoned, either by accident or intentionally.
NPIS provides essential support for NHS healthcare professionals, assisting them in ensuring optimal care for patients in cases of serious poisoning, and, where toxicity is low, offering advice to minimise unnecessary hospital attendances and admissions.
NPIS is funded mainly through ‘Government Grant in Aid’ from the UK Health Departments, some contract income and some research income.
The National Poisons Information Service does not accept enquiries from the public but supports NHS Direct and NHS24 to answer such queries.
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk - 0845 4647 or 111
www.nhs24.com - 08454 24 24 24