FOI_7681

Internal Reference Number: FOI_7681

Date Request Received: 17/01/2024 00:00:00

Date Request Replied To: 04/03/2024 00:00:00

This response was sent via: By Email

Request Summary: Treating Patients with Sodium Nitrite Poisoning

Request Category: Private Individuals


Question Number 1: Are A&E clinicians and nurses employed by the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust trained to recognise the symptoms of sodium nitrite poisoning ?

Answer To Question 1: Not specific teaching on sodium nitrite but generic teaching on Toxicology with specific guidance to access Toxbase for information for any toxin that is unfamiliar to the clinician. Patient with cyanosis would have a blood gas taken and the machine provides a methhaemaglobin level which would alert clinicians to seeking reason for this which would include sodium nitrite but also treatment for methaemaglobinaemia

Question Number 2: Are A&E clinicians and nurses employed by the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust trained to treat patients suffering with sodium nitrite poisoning with the antidote methylthioninium chloride commonly called methylene blue?

Answer To Question 2: No specific teaching but guidance in full available on Toxbase which would guide dose and treatment regime

Question Number 3: Does the A&E department at the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust routinely carry the antidote methylthioninium chloride commonly called methylene blue ?

Answer To Question 3: 5 ampoules in ED

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Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.