The National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC) at Beaumont Hospital is marking 60 years of service, having grown from its beginnings at Jervis Street Hospital in 1966 to become a vital national resource providing specialist advice on poisoning to healthcare professionals and members of the public across Ireland.
Based at Beaumont Hospital, the NPIC responds to more than 11,000 enquiries each year involving medicines, drugs, chemicals, household and agricultural products, plants and other potentially harmful substances.
The Centre provides a 24-hour telephone service to healthcare professionals, 365 days a year, and operates a Public Poisons Information Line from 8am to 10pm daily.
The Centre’s specialist, evidence-based advice enables approximately 80% of cases to be managed safely at home or in the community, while around one in five requires assessment in an emergency department.
Last year, more than 55% of calls were from members of the public, with approximately 40% from healthcare professionals.
Around 60% of cases involved children under the age of 15. More than 60% involved accidental poisoning, while one in five related to a medication error.
Established in 1966 by the Department of Health and the Irish Medical Association, the NPIC provides specialist advice to healthcare professionals treating acute poisoning throughout Ireland, as well as advice to members of the public following suspected accidental poisoning.
The Centre also analyses poisoning data to identify emerging trends, support clinical treatment and inform wider public health responses.
The 60-year milestone is being marked at an anniversary event at Beaumont Hospital, bringing together current and former colleagues, healthcare leaders and national partner organisations to celebrate the Centre’s history and its continuing contribution to patient care and public health across Ireland.
The anniversary programme includes contributions from Dr Joe Tracey, former Clinical Director of the NPIC, reflecting on the history and development of the Centre; Dr Kieran Connolly, volunteer expert mycologist with the NPIC, discussing poisonous mushrooms found in Ireland; and Dr Saja Alhawal, Research Fellow, Children’s Health Ireland, addressing poisoning risks affecting children.
Dr Edel Duggan, Clinical Director of the National Poisons Information Centre, said: “For six decades, the National Poisons Information Centre has provided clear, evidence-based guidance for over 500,000 poisoning enquiries to healthcare professionals and members of the public when poisoning occurs.
“Our advice helps ensure that people receive the appropriate care following a suspected poisoning, whether they can be safely monitored at home or require urgent medical assessment. The medicines, chemicals and other products people encounter continue to change, making access to specialist poisons advice as important today as it was when the Centre was first established.
“This anniversary is also an opportunity to recognise the generations of staff and specialist advisers who have shaped the service, alongside the healthcare professionals and partner organisations that continue to support our work.”
Anne Coyle, CEO of Beaumont Hospital, said:“Beaumont Hospital is proud to be home to the National Poisons Information Centre and to mark 60 years of this important national service. From its base at Beaumont, the Centre’s expertise reaches into homes, hospitals and healthcare settings across Ireland, supporting patients, families and healthcare professionals every day.
“This milestone is an opportunity to recognise the generations of staff whose expertise and dedication have built and sustained a service that continues to make an important contribution to patient care and public health across Ireland.”