National Poisons Information Service - Annual Report 2010/2011

Synopsis

 The main role of the National Poisons Information Service is to advise NHS healthcare professionals on the diagnosis, treatment and care of cases of poisoning across the UK. Poisoning is an extremely common cause of hospital admissions in the NHS, being numerically similar to admissions for myocardial infarction. In addition, many cases of suspected poisoning are managed out of hospital following advice provided by the NPIS, thus reducing unnecessary use of NHS resources. The major workload falls on hospital emergency departments, but minor injuries units and primary care services also make major contributions – the latter to a large extent involving NHS telephone helplines (NHS Direct and NHS 24).

Last reviewed: 5 October 2011