AMA calls for urgent action on National Poisons Information Service

Dr Phelps said the Service has been rocked by the resignations of four toxicologists concerned by neglect of the service by the Commonwealth and State Governments.

"What we are seeing is another example of cost-shifting and blame-shifting between the Commonwealth and the States over a vital community health service,"

Dr Phelps said.

"The National Poisons Information Service is a long-established, trusted and respected resource used by GPs, hospital doctors, and parents and individuals needing expert advice on what action to take when poisonous substances have been consumed.

"In most cases, the victims are children, often infants.

"The experts at the end of the phone line are the key to good health outcomes for these kids and their families, and they must be supported," Dr Phelps said.

Toxicologists first raised their concerns about the efficacy of the service back in 1997, and the issue has been a bureaucratic 'hot potato' ever since.

Earlier this year, the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Committee (AHMAC) set up a review into the service, which is not due to report until December at the earliest.

"In the meantime, experts are leaving and the quality of the service is being diminished through no fault of those left struggling to keep it going," Dr Phelps said.

"Governments - both State and Federal - must act now to ensure the National Poisons Information Service has adequate funding, resources, and national standards and coordination to continue to provide this vital community service.

"It should be about saving lives, not saving money," Dr Phelps said.

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CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761

Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076