A WIRRAL firm is the first in the world to use a unique new device for disposing of used hypodermic needles in their nurse training.

My Nurses Life (MNL) has been given a "NeedleSmart" device, described by the inventors as "a game-changer in the field of needle safety" which will revolutionise the current methodology used by medical practitioners.

Once an injection has been administered the medic inserts the needle part of the syringe into the portable "NeedleSmart" device, which heats and disintegrates the entire length of the needle leaving just a sealed sphere of sterile metal that is no longer sharp.

Dalya Titus, the lead assessor at MNL, a leading nurse training company, said: "We are delighted that NeedleSmart has given us one of their fantastic needle bins so that we can train our students in their use.

"Over three million needle stick injuries occur globally each year, including 100,000 in the UK."

She added: "This device will completely eliminate that risk".

MNL train nurses from the Commonwealth and right around the world and also UK nurses who have left the health sector and are wanting to return to practice, so they can acquire the necessary qualification to obtain employment.

Dalya, who moved here in 2006 from Kerala in India, continued: "We have already started training our pre-registered nurses in using the device. It is a very simple and highly effective appliance to use.

"I have no doubt hospitals and nursing homes will adopt NeedleSmart in the very near future as well as GP surgeries and other medical practitioners".

Helen Romnes (pictured, below), owner of MNL said  "We train injection administration as part of our course and the device is now an integral part of that training and is also keeping our classrooms safer.

"We have always been in the vanguard of nurse training for the Nursing and Midwifery Council exam, the OSCE, and introducing the "NeedleSmart" device is a a no brainer as it protects medical staff and patients from injury and infection. 

Wirral Globe:

"It is also an environmentally-friendly product as the plastic syringe body can be recycled and used again instead of being incinerated. 

"They are really neat devices that would not look out of place in anyone’s home and I'm sure diabetics will welcome it.   

"The mass vaccination programme means that the extra number of hypodermic needles that will be used over the coming months and years is truly mind boggling.

"To make the them safe at the point of use will save councils a huge amount in collection and disposal costs.

"We are a local company, as are the manufacturers of the needle device, so it is great that we are the first to showcase their invention."