Poison centre opens in Grande

The centre is based at the Sangre Grande District Hospital and has been set up to provide medical professionals with information on poisons and the treatments for them.

Rahael said relevant training has been provided to those who man the centre which is also accessible to the public.

Information is available on the treatment of snake and insect bites, poison ingestion and inhalation, poisonous plants, drug overdoses and adverse drug interaction.

“Therefore enhancing the services, which are offered by the facility as well, help to reduce the mortality risk which the patient faces,” said Rahael.

Rahael said the centre will help to establish a database specific to Trinidad and Tobago, since none currently exists. This would be a crucial step in the development of the health care system.

Angelie Lochan, head of the centre, said Sangre Grande was surrounded by rural communities whose residents encounter poisonous plants, animals and chemicals more regularly than those in developed towns. She said this centre will respond to calls daily and can be reached at 691-4742.