National Poisons Information Service CPD Event, Edinburgh, UK, 13-14 September 2023
The National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) met in September for an excellent two-day Continuing Professional Development event held at Riddle’s Court in Edinburgh. In attendance were colleagues from all four UK NPIS units (Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Newcastle), the UK Health Security Agency, the National Poisons Centre Dublin, and collaborators from other NHS trusts.
The first day consisted of presentations including a clinical overview of the 2006 London Polonium-210 poisoning case, the role of ethanol biomarkers in clinical practice, a local and national perspective on propranolol poisoning and a past, present and future outlook on paracetamol poisoning. This was followed on the second day by presentations on the use of vitamin K in management of paracetamol poisoning, the use of endoscopy in toxicology, prevention of deaths from acute poisoning in low-and-middle income countries, as well as a case presentation of severe metformin-associated lactic acidosis in a teenager. Staff from the Welsh National Poisons Unit made presentations on antipsychotics, herbal poisoning enquiries, and the importance of audits within NPIS.
In addition to the excellent range of high-quality presentations, the event also celebrated the 60th anniversary of the NPIS Edinburgh unit, which was established in 1963. The NPIS Edinburgh Director, Dr Euan Sandilands, gave a 60th anniversary lecture entitled: A Trip Down Memory Lane, which chronicled how the NPIS unit was established, and how it has developed over time. Further information about the history of the NPIS Edinburgh unit can be found here.
The event was a great success and an excellent networking opportunity for NPIS staff and other attendees. The presentations and discussions helped all participants to develop their understanding and awareness of current and emerging trends in toxicology, and better equipped them for their day-to-day roles in medical toxicology.
