Acute poisoning: organization and work-load of a treatment centre.

Abstract

The Atkins Report (Central Health Services Council, 1962) included among its recommendations the establishment of district and regional poisoning treatment centres. Apart from the nominal designation of certain hospitals no action appears to have been taken. Between 1962 and 1966 the admission of poisoned patients increased by about 80% (General Register Office, 1964Office, , 1968)), and other reports The health authorities therefore considered it advisable to review the situation. The ensuing Hill Report (Central and Scottish Health Services Councils, 1968) high- lighted the epidemic nature of acute non-fatal poisoning in adults and teenagers and reiterated that poisoning treatment centres based on the district general hospital or its existing complex should be established, staffed, equipped, and designated throughout the country. All cases of self-poisoning in adults should be admitted to these centres, where a consultant with a special interest in the management of cases of poisoning would be available. These units should have seven-day psychiatric cover and laboratory support for the qualitative and quantitative estimation of the commonly ingested poisons.