Print PageNational Poisons Information Centre at Beaumont Hospital Celebrates 50th Anniversary as part of Poisons Awareness Day (Dec 2016)
Thursday December 22, 2016
On Thursday December 8th 2016, the Minister of State for Disabilities Finian McGrath T.D. marked the 50th Anniversary of Ireland’s National Poisons Information Centre at Beaumont Hospital and also highlighted National Poisons Awareness Day, which raises awareness of the importance of poison prevention to keep children safe.
Established in 1966, the National Poisons Information Centre has provided expert guidance and advice to the medical profession and the public. It also aims to educate and inform the Irish public on preventing accidental poisoning. The Centre has been a source of expertise during challenging times including the Foot and Mouth scare and the growth of head-shops.
The Centre carries out a very important role in education and raising awareness about the risks from poisons. Its Public Poisons Information Line provides first aid and triage advice to members of the public. A simple phone call to the Poison Centre can often reassure a worried parent and avoid an unnecessary visit to an emergency department. However, when urgent action is required, the Centre also provides medical staff with key supports.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Disabilities Finian McGrath T.D. said “I am delighted to be here today to mark the 50th Anniversary of the National Poisons Information centre here at Beaumont Hospital. They provide a vital and unique service to the Irish public and the medical sector. Being here today has allowed me to see and hear the difference that the centre makes to people on a daily basis. The determination of this team to create awareness and to reduce the risks of accidental poisonings is fantastic to see and I commend them for their work. It is great to see the partnership between the Poisons centre, the HSE and Healthy Ireland in producing these great resources for parents and guardians”
Dr Edel Duggan, Director of the National Poisons Information Centre, Beaumont Hospital added: “The 50th anniversary of the National Poisons Information Centre marks a significant moment in the history of this organisation. From a staff of two, the Centre has grown to provide a vital public information phone line and unique expertise to the Irish health sector. Being here today as part of Poisons Awareness Day provides us with an important opportunity to inform the Irish public on how they can avoid accidental poisonings and protect children, in particular, from the danger of modern household items such as laundry detergent capsules, which can be dangerous if they get into little hands. Our new Poisons Information Leaflet and keyring fob will contribute to our work in preventing avoidable poisonings.”
For more information, please visit www.poisons.ie or www.facebook.com/NPICDublin
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Prof. David Williams, Consultant in Stroke Medicine; Dr. Phil Jennings, Director of Public Health/Child Health Lead in the Health and Wellbeing Division, HSE; Dr Edel Duggan, Clinical Director Poisons Centre, Minister Finian McGrath, Minister of State for Disabilities and Professor Alf Nicholson, Clinical Lead in Paediatrics.
