The West Midlands Poisons Unit is the tertiary clinical unit associated with the NPIS (Birmingham Unit). It is based at the City Hospital, Birmingham, UK, which is a teaching hospital of the University of Birmingham.  It was established in 1973 and Professor Allister Vale has been Director since 1982.

The aims of the West Midlands Poisons Unit are to provide:

Specialised treatment facilities for the management for cases of acute and chronic poisoning;

An outpatient advisory service on toxicological problems;

Facilities for clinical research, including the evaluation of new methods of treatment. The findings of clinical research are published regularly to encourage the optimum care of poisoned patients;

Training in the clinical and occupational aspects of toxicology.  Staff of the NPIS (Birmingham Unit) and West Midlands Poisons Unit are involved closely in the MSc (Toxicology), awarded by the University of Birmingham. Staff regularly lecture nationally and internationally

The Poisons Unit admits more than 1200 patients annually either directly from the Accident and Emergency Department of the City Hospital or from other hospitals. In addition to acutely poisoned patients, those exposed to chemicals (including pesticides), occupationally or environmentally, are also investigated and, if necessary, treated.  Patients withdrawing from alcohol and other substances of abuse are also admitted regularly. 

The Regional Laboratory for Toxicology is also associated closely with the Unit. Much of the Poisons Unit work and clinical research could not be performed adequately without the analytical assistance of the Regional Laboratory for Toxicology; this support is gratefully acknowledged.

Further details about the West Midlands Poisons Unit can be obtained from the Director:

Professor Allister Vale MD FRCP FRCPE FRCPG FFOM FAACT FBTS Hon FRCPSG
West Midlands Poisons Unit
City Hospital, Birmingham, B18 7QH, UK

Tel:  (+44) 121 507 4123
Fax: (+44) 121 507 5580
Email:mail@npis.org