Poisons Information Officer

Job Summary:

The Poisons Information Officer is responsible for providing immediate accurate information to assist with the treatment of poisoned patients.  They must be capable of understanding basic pharmacological and toxicological mechanisms, so as to give reasonable advice to the enquirer.   They must also assess the need for more specialised advice and refer serious or complicated cases appropriately. They must be able to maintain a high standard of confidentiality and discretion in all aspects of their work.

The Poisons Information Centre provides a 24 hour telephone information service, manned by the Poisons Information Officers from 08.00 to 22.00 every day.  Night-time enquiries (22:00 to 08:00) are automatically diverted to the U.K. National Poisons Information Service.  Alternative arrangements for night cover may be considered in the future and will be negotiated via the normal industrial relations procedures.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

The position of a Poisons Information Officer  encompasses both clinical and administrative responsibilities which include the following:

Clinical responsibilities

• Answer enquiries about poisoning from medical and healthcare professionals, and from the general public, by telephone, letter, or e-mail. Refer enquiries to medical or laboratory staff, as appropriate.
• Keep written and electronic records of enquiries answered.
• To participate in the National Poisons Information Centre rota between 08.00 and 22.00 365 days a year and to ensure the continuity of the telephone service at all times. This may include covering short notice sickness absence.
• Be familiar with the various antidotes used in the treatment of poisoning and be aware of the locations at which these antidotes are held.
• Carry out literature searches, to review particular problems in poisoning.
• Undertake research as agreed by the Director of the NPIC.
• Participate in continuing professional development. This includes:-

1. Keeping up to date with the toxicological literature.
2. Presenting at the departmental journal club.
3. Attending and presenting at continuing professional development events and the EAPCCT annual conference.
4. Writing case reports and research papers for publication in medical or toxicological journals.
5. The Poisons Information Officer will be expected to obtain additional relevant qualifications e.g. Diploma in Medical Toxicology, and will be encouraged to participate in training programmes organised by Beaumont Hospital.

• Participate in the Centres outreach programme e.g. speaking to students, paramedics or parents groups about the work of the centre and the prevention of accidental poisoning.

Administrative responsibilities

• Liaise with commercial companies regarding notification of hazardous chemical mixtures.
• Audit the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) database with an aim to increase quality assessment of product
• Liaise with ECHA about any operational issues that arise from using the ECHA database.
• Validate the information received with industry
• Ensure incomplete notifications are addressed and updated by industry
• Keep accurate records of correspondence with industry and the information received.
• Maintain confidentiality of the information received.
• Liaise with the Health Safety Authority to address non-compliance of the regulation by industry.
• Participate in awareness activities concerning CLP regulation
• Undertake statistical analysis of submitted information to identify areas where improved risk management measures are need.
• Research and epidemiology studies concerning hazardous substances on the Irish market.
• Assist in the compilation of statistics and reports on poisoning cases.
• Participate in the TOXBASE® editing group and liaise with the database editors in Edinburgh about entries for Irish products.
• Manage or contribute to the centres website and social media.
• Assist in the training and supervision of new staff.
• Liaise with and/or attend external meetings with, for example, the Health and Safety Authority, HPRA, Department of Health.
• Liaise with various UK and European groups e.g. the NPIS Centres in the UK, European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists (EAPCCT).
• Identify particular trends in poisoning incidents and assist in promoting preventative measures.

Service Delivery and Improvement

• Answer telephone and written queries to the Poisons Centre
• Keep written and electronic records of enquiries answered.
• Undertake quality assurance of data on poisoning and of all Poisons Centre activities.
• Support quality improvement initiatives.
• Implement agreed changes to administration of the service.
• Encourage and support staff through change processes.

Standards, Policies, Procedures and Legislation

• Maintain own knowledge of relevant employer policies, procedures, guidelines and practices, to perform the role effectively.
• Maintain own knowledge of relevant regulations and legislation e.g. CLP, GDPR, Financial Regulations, Health & Safety Legislation, Employment Legislation, FOI Acts, etc.
• Ensure consistent adherence to procedures within area of responsibility.

The job description is an outline of the post as it is currently perceived by the hospital and will be subject to review and amendment. This job description will therefore be subject to change in light of the various strategies for the hospital and the development of the Clinical Directorate model and any future developments that arise and will evolve and change over time.

Selection Criteria: 

Selection criteria outline the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would need to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post. 

Applications will be assessed on the basis of how well candidates satisfy these criteria.

Mandatory & Post Specific Requirements:

• An excellent grasp of written and spoken English.
• An honours degree in a life science or biomedical subject or a nursing qualification.
• Relevant post-graduate qualifications or work experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and email.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact and network with all levels within and outside the organisation.
• Awareness of confidentiality, data protection and good record handling practices.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to adapt to an unpredictable work pattern with frequent interruptions and competing priorities.
• Flexibility to meet the changing demands of the service.

Desirable:

• Post graduate qualification in Toxicology.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Experience working in a clinical environment.
• Experience of document management systems and/or records management.

If an appointee has previously been employed in the Civil or Public Service and that appointee is entitled to or in receipt of a pension from the Civil or Public Service or where a Civil/ Public Service pension comes into payment during the appointee’s re-employment that pension will be subject to abatement in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012.

Please note: In applying for this position you are acknowledging that you understand that the abatement provisions, where relevant, will apply. It is not envisaged that the employing Department/ Office/ Body will support an application for an abatement waiver in respect of appointments to this position

Informal Enquiries ONLY to: (Please note NO APPLICATIONS will be accepted via the Informal Email)