Poisons Information Centre

The National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC) in Beaumont Hospital provides information to doctors and healthcare professionals to assist them in the management of acute poisoning.  We also advise members of the public on the need for urgent medical attention if accidental poisoning is suspected. Poisons may include medicines, household products, pesticides, chemicals, plants and mushrooms.

About us

Our team of professional Poisons Information Officers have specialist training in Medical Toxicology and answer enquiries between 8am and 10pm. Complex clinical questions can be referred to our Clinical Director. Calls from healthcare professionals to the service between 10pm and 8am are automatically diverted to the UK National Poisons Information Service (at no extra cost to callers).

The NPIC collects and analyses data on acute poisoning enquiries received and provides data to regulatory authorities on request. In addition, the NPIC collects product information from manufacturers to assist in the treatment of poisoned patients.  The NPIC also produces an annual report and as a national service, it has its own website 

The Centre is the contracting body for TOXBASE®, an on-line clinical toxicology database used by hospital emergency departments and intensive care units. 

The telephone information service is available to doctors and healthcare professionals 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.  Advice on accidental poisoning is also provided to members of the public between 8am and 10pm.