On 2nd and 3rd April, members of staff from the Cardiff Poisons unit attended a National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) CPD event hosted by the Newcastle Poisons Unit at St James’ Park, to celebrate 50 years since the NPIS Newcastle unit was established. The event was attended by all four NPIS units as well as colleagues from the National Poisons Information Centre in Dublin, the UK Health Security Agency and the UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS).

The event consisted of two days of excellent presentations as well as discussion of clinical cases and current NPIS research projects. Presentation themes included an introduction to the workings of UKTIS, paediatric toxicology, recreational drugs, methanol toxicity, higher alcohols, valproic acid toxicity and trends in sodium nitrite enquiries.

One of our scientists, Nathaniel Keymer spoke about higher alcohols and their potential to cause toxicity and our Director Dr. Laurence Gray discussed the trends in sodium nitrite enquiries to the NPIS.

The event was a great success and evoked engaging discussions and lively debates, as well as opportunities to network with other colleagues within the NPIS and across other organisations. The 50th anniversary was marked by a wonderful evening dinner and celebration – brilliantly organised and enjoyed by all.

We thank the organisers for two excellent days of CPD and look forward to the next event!