Sydney. An Australian nurse, who pioneered a new technology to help patients with needle phobia and anxiety, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Innovation Leadership Award’ at the InnovationAus 2024 Awards for Excellence.
The founder and CEO of the healthcare technology innovator, NeedleCalm, Ms Lauren Barber, said she was honoured to be recognised as an ‘outstanding leader who drive innovation and make significant contributions to their industry by maximising social impact’
Ms. Barber, a visionary entrepreneur and registered nurse, founded NeedleCalm in 2016 to address the widespread fear of needles. Her innovative medical device, designed to alleviate pain during injections, has transformed the healthcare experience for countless Australians, especially children.
It was Ms Barber’s own experience of a needle stick injury as a nurse and her passion for improving the healthcare experience of patients, that led to her developing desensitising adhesive pads and launching NeedleCalm.The innovative device dulls the site pain of an injection, helping the estimated one in four Australians who have a fear of needles.
NeedleCalm today also announced the appointment of highly respected Medical Director, Dr Matthew Cooper, as the Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of NeedleCalm.
“Dr Cooper’s esteemed leadership will further strengthen NeedleCalm’s mission to decrease healthcare avoidance and overcome the challenges associated with needle phobia and anxiety,” Ms Barber said.
“His expertise will play a crucial role in ensuring NeedleCalm continued to deliver the highest standards of medical best practice and patient safety.”
Dr Cooper applauded Ms Barber for the ‘Innovation Leadership Award’ which he described as “deserved recognition of her pioneering persistence and ingenuity on behalf of so many patients.”
“Too many Australians avoid necessary testing and care because of the fear and trauma that they have experienced and associate with needles,” Dr Cooper said. “For parents and carers, removing the association of pain and fear with needles for their child helps deliver a less fraught healthcare experience.
NeedleCalm’s innovations stand to significantly help patients to get the care they need and improve their lifelong patient journey.” ENDS
Photo: Ms Barber was presented with the ‘Innovation Leadership Award’ at the InnovationAus’ gala annual event in Sydney, by the University of NSW pro-vice chancellor (Industry and Innovation) Professor Stephen Rodda. About NeedleCalm
NeedleCalm is a leading healthcare technology company focused on addressing needle phobia and anxiety. Through its innovative solutions, NeedleCalm empowers patients to overcome their fears and receive essential medical care with confidence.
Media Contact: Lauren Barber. CEO lauren.barber@needlecalm.com.au + 61 438 009 215
