An enhanced toll-free poison information service will launch July 1, providing Manitobans with 24/7 access to treatment recommendations for chemical, biological, pharmaceutical and environmental poisoning and exposure.
The Manitoba Poison Centre, accessed by calling 1-855-7POISON (1-855-776-4766), will be staffed by a team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and toxicology and poison experts at the Ontario Poison Centre. Winnipeg toxicologist Dr. Milton Tenenbein will continue as the physician liaison for the enhanced Manitoba Poison Centre.
“This new service will provide bilingual, Manitoba-wide poison information to adults, parents of children, families, and caregivers who have questions or concerns about potential poisoning,” said Arlene Wilgosh, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. “This access to specialists will be free to call from anywhere in Manitoba, and will be available around the clock, 365 days a year.”
The current poison hotline, (204) 787-2591, will automatically redirect calls to the toll-free number. If the situation is an emergency, Manitobans should continue to call 911 directly.
