A Wilsden district nurse was runner-up in an X Factor-style vote to win a national award.

Carol Gill, who is based at Wilsden Health Centre and works for Bradford and Airedale Community Health Services, made the final in the search for the UK’s best nurse-led innovation.

Her entry, an early warning system for pressure ulcers, is now attracting interest from health trusts.

Carol developed her idea following an incident in which some older patients with mental health problems suffered severe pressure ulcers without nurses being alerted.

She felt driven to improve knowledge of pressure ulcer recognition among staff in care homes.

As part of a pilot programme she delivered training and educational sessions and encouraged healthcare workers to use a reporting and recording tool, which has helped improve patient care and saved money.

Carol said she was delighted to be second in the contest, run by the Royal College of Nursing, beating more than 300 others to reach the final.

“I was up against some stiff competition so it’s a great honour to be rewarded in this way by the nursing profession,” she said.

“I’d like to say a big thank-you to everyone who voted for me and supported my entry.”

Carol received £500 to invest in her project plus a plaque.