The NPIS (Newcastle Centre) is part of the UK National Poisons Information Service which is a commissioned service for the Health Protection Agency. We answer enquiries from NHS health professionals relating to toxic exposures to drugs and chemicals and includes second tier consultant support for more clinically complex cases. We also contribute to the production of monographs on the management of poisonings, which are found on TOXBASE. As part of the UK NPIS, the Newcastle centre provides first tier support to the Chemical Hazards and Poisons Division for chemical incidents. The Newcastle centre also provides a specialist poisoning in pregnancy information service on behalf of other poisons centres within the UK.
Who uses this service?
In common with other UK NPIS, we answer enquiries from doctors and other healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals with access should consult the NPIS online poisons database, TOXBASE, before telephoning a poisons centre for more expert advice. The UK Poisons Information Service is only for medical professionals and if you are a patient, please contact NHS Direct for further advice.
Who works here?
NPIS (Newcastle) is staffed by a multidisciplinary team primarily made up of nurses, medical information scientists, and pharmacists all of whom have undergone training in clinical toxicology. In cases of greater complexity, physician support is available.
The knowledge and experience of the staff of the centre is supported by access to a
wide range of pharmaceutical and biomedical information, including internet databases, reference texts, medical and pharmaceutical periodicals, and in-house files.
When can I contact the service?
This service is available to NHS health professionals on a 24-hours, 7 days/week basis.
