In an effort to ensure expert advice for poisoning events in the province is readily available, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has entered into a new agreement with the Atlantic Canada Poison Centre (ACPC) in Nova Scotia, and a new poison line has been established to provide poison triage and advice.
By calling1-844-POISON X (1-844-764-7669), the general public in Newfoundland and Labrador now has 24/7 access to a Specialist in Poison Information, toxicologists, botanists and laboratory technologists; assessment, triage, management and follow-up of poison exposures; decision support regarding transfer to a health care facility and ongoing management; and inclusion in a Canadian Surveillance System for Poison Information.
Prior to this agreement, calls regarding potential poisoning incidents were directed to the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine (811). Health care providers consulted with ACPC toxicology specialists for complex poisoning cases. Having direct access to a Regional Poison Centre will result in a streamlining of health care services and a reduction in overall health care costs by reducing emergency room visits by managing calls at home with guidance and follow-up from a specialist, a reduction in ambulance transports as paramedics on scene can call the poison centre, and a reduced stay in hospital due to the Specialist in Poison Information follow up.
From March 2019 to February 2021, a total of 3,289 poison calls were serviced by the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine.
Quotes
“Having direct access to poison triage and advice is very important for the residents of our province. With this expanded service, both individuals and health care workers will be able to speak directly with a specialist in the area, without first having to go through our HealthLine service. It also has the potential to reduce the call volume to 811 preserving the RN resources for callers who need to speak to someone regarding their symptoms, and translate into fewer visits to our emergency rooms.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
– 30 –
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Poison Information for the Public and Health Care Professionals
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Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca