The West Midlands Poisons Unit is based at the
City Hospital, Birmingham, UK, which is a teaching hospital of the University of
Birmingham. It was was established in 1973 and Dr Allister Vale has been
Director since 1982.
The aim of the West Midlands Poisons Unit is to provide:
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Specialised treatment facilities for the management for cases of acute and chronic poisoning; |
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An outpatient advisory service on toxicological problems; |
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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
Training is provided particularly on the clinical and occupational aspects of toxicology. The Clinical Toxicology module of the MSc in Toxicology, awarded by the University of Birmingham, is co-organized with the National Poisons Information Service (Birmingham Centre).
The Unit admits more than 1100 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.
One of two dedicated toxicological
laboratories in the UK National Health Service is also associated closely with
the Unit. Much of the Treatment Unit work and clinical research could not be
performed adequately without the analytical assistance of the Regional Laboratory for Toxicology
(Director: Dr Robin Braithwaite); this support is gratefully
acknowledged.
Further details about the West Midlands Poisons Unit can be obtained from the Director:
Dr Allister Vale
National Poisons
Information Service (Birmingham Centre)
West Midlands Poisons Unit
City
Hospital
Birmingham
B18 7QH, UK
Tel: (+44) 121 507 4123
Fax: (+44)
121 507 5580
Email:mail@npis.org