An inventor has criticised a south Essex hospital - which paid compensation to a toddler whose finger was sliced off - for refusing to buy his digit-saving gadget four years ago.

Little Shannon Webster, three, has been awarded £2,500 after her finger was sliced off in an accident at her nursery at Rochford Hospital in November 1998.

Chris Yeomans, of Fingersafe GB based in Westcliff, claims he could have safe-guarded 100 doors at the site for the amount of cash Southend NHS Hospitals Trust has paid the youngster in compensation.

His gadget was invented nearly ten years ago and has since received world patenting with clients ranging from Essex Libraries, McDonald's and Sainsbury's to the American government.

It comprises an accordion-shaped strip of plastic which pushes fingers, and any other objects, out of the danger area of the door's hinges as it closes shut.

It was first offered to the hospital's trust four years ago and on several occasions until the latest in May this year, Mr Yeomans claims.

The news in the Echo on Monday has angered Mr Yeomans so much he is offering to fit his Fingersafe product throughout the young girl's home free of charge.

He said: "I am so annoyed this poor child has had to go through such pain. I feel so incensed about it.

"Doors are like guillotines and places like hospitals should be fitted with this product. These people are in the business of sewing fingers back on and their doors could be lethal.

"It just does not make sense. I have even offered to fit one door free so the product can be tested. If Fingersafe had been fitted it would have been the end of it - for silly money this could have been prevented.

"I think the hospitals should approach me now - I cannot do anymore than I already have."

A spokesman for the hospital was unavailable for comment.

Pinkie protector - Inventor Chris Yeomans, right, inspects the hinge guard used by a range of clients to make doors safe for small - and large - fingers

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

(Left) Injured - Shannon Webster, right, with mum Cheryl, shows the finger which was nipped when it was closed it in a door

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.