Victorian Poisons Information Centre-25 Years in the Royal Children's Hospital Pharmacy Department

Abstract

The Victorian Poisons Information Centre has been based in the Pharmacy Department at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne for 25 years. This article outlines changes in childhood poisoning and service development, and challenges for the future. Mortality from childhood poisoning has decreased with most serious poisonings now involving medicines. Inducing emesis is no longer recommended in the treatment of poisoning. Information sources are now CD-ROM and Internet based. The Centre has developed a web site to allow users an alternative means of access. A national telephone number for poisons information centres has facilitated inclusion of the number on product labels and advertising of the service. Challenges for the future include developing a relationship with clinical toxicologists, ensuring users understand the benefits of ringing the Centre rather than accessing information on the Internet, enhancing interaction between Australian poisons information centres and undertaking relevant research. (author abstract)