About us

What is DIAL?

Dial is an information service, offering advice on the use of medicines in children, to healthcare professionals working in the UK and Eire.  It provides the opportunity for healthcare professionals to share Alder Hey Children’s Hospitals expertise and experience in Medicines Information.[top]

When was DIAL established?

Dial was established in September 1997 and is now in its 4th year of operation.[top]

Where is DIAL based?

Dial is based in the Medicines Information Unit of the Pharmacy Department at the Royal Liverpool Children’s NHS Trust (Alder Hey), Liverpool, UK.[top]

Who can contact DIAL?

Dial provides a service for healthcare professionals only.  Current resources are insufficient to offer an information service to members of the general public.[top]

What types of enquiries can DIAL deal with?

Dial is happy to assist with any paediatric enquiry, apart from poisoning enquiries.  All poisons enquiries should be directed to a Poisons Information Service (listed in the British National Formulary) where the appropriate expertise is available.[top]

When should you contact DIAL?

Dial is intended to support and complement local resources, rather than replace them. In the first instance, Medicines Information enquiries should usually be directed to local hospital Medicines Information services or to the Regional Medicines Information service (listed in the British National Formulary).  If there is a specialist Children’s hospital within your area then it is appropriate to contact the Medcines Information department of that hospital. [top]