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This is the official notice of the Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Annual Members Meeting (AMM) taking place Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 5:00PM – 6:30 PM EDT in-person at the Hotel Bonaventure Montréal, Montréal, QC (located in the Place Bonaventure) 900 Rue De la Gauchetière O, Montréal, QC H5A 1E4. This AMM meeting will be held as a part of the 44th NSWOCC National Conference taking place May 21-25, 2025, as an in-person conference. After the AMM, we invite everyone to attend our Posters & Products Innovation Expo where food and refreshments will be available. All NSWOCC Members are welcome to attend if their membership status is current. NSWOCC Members are titled " Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Member " in the membership database. For the full description of voting Members, please refer to NSWOCC Operating By-law 1-3.01 Classes and Conditions of Membership. All Members (both in-person and electronically over Zoom) will have 1 vote.  The following Associates are also welcome to attend as non-voting participants: Allied Healthcare Professional Associate Full-time Student Nurse Associate Government/Administrative Professionals Associate Industry Associate Industry Associate Plus International Associate NSWOC Student Associate Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Associate Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Student Associate Please make sure that you renew your membership today by logging into your membership account at https://membersnswoc.ca/ . To become an NSWOCC Member or Associate, visit https://www.nswoc.ca/become-a-member . HOW TO RSVP Make sure to RSVP to make your vote count and your voice heard, as well as to learn about key association business, and celebrate successes. Food will be available immediately following the meeting. In addition to being held in-person, the 2025 AMM will also be held via Zoom Webinar in order to include those Members who were unable to travel to Montreal, QC. For those unable to attend in-person, Members may still RSVP in advance to attend the meeting on Zoom. Associates are not able to attend online.  Only current, active NSWOCC Members will be eligible to vote. All NSWOCC Members will be accommodated; however, and walk-ins can register at the door if they are unable to register in advance of the AMM. To attend either in-person or on Zoom, please RSVP by clicking below: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mVaLNxXCQweC6xZVMcmMJA 2025 AMM Members Package NSWOCC Members can access the 2025 AMM Members Package by clicking the files below, or by logging into your membership account at  https://membersnswoc.ca/ . The package contains the Annual Members Meeting Agenda, the NSWOCC 2024-2025 Annual Report, the draft NSWOCC 2024 AMM Meeting Minutes, and the 2024 Election Slate of Directors and Officers of the Association. 2025 Annual Report NSWOCC is built by Members and is for the Members... Thank you so much for the immeasurably valuable work you have done for Nurses Specialized in Wound, ostomy and Continence Canada over the past year! We cannot thank you enough and want to let you know that your dedication is essential to the work that we do. We cannot do it without you! We would not want to do it without you! You bring ideas, positive energy and a beautiful intensity. We hope you will come back and join us soon on an exciting initiative, and maybe even bring a colleague with you! You can now access the 2025 Annual Report by clicking the file below.  Please review the package carefully prior to the May 22, 2025 AMM in order to be prepared to vote. If you should have any questions, please contact the NSWOCC Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Harley at office@nswoc.ca . We look forward to seeing you there. Sincerely, The NSWOCC Board of Directors

The mission statement of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is “ Leading excellence is our passion, enhancing lives is our inspiration, Innovation is our commitment.” We are proud to demonstrate our commitment to excellence & innovation by introducing the new official journal of NSWOCC: the Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence (CJWOC) . The CJWOC represents a bold leap forward in our commitment to innovation and excellence in wound, ostomy and continence care. This exciting transformation marks a significant milestone, replacing the NSWOC Advance with a more scientific and academically focused journal.The CJWOC is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal with no article processing fees for authors, offering a platform for Canadian clinicians to share cutting-edge research, critical insights, and innovative practices in wound, ostomy, and continence. We encourage you to explore this publication and consider how the innovative and creative ways in which you practice could make for an informative and educational article.   NSWOCC Members can read the first, Spring 2025 issue by clicking the cover image in this email, accessing it directly via your membership account at www.membersnswoc.ca , or by visiting our dedicated CJWOC website at  https://cjwoc.ca/ . This dedicated site allows you to to access the latest issue, submit manuscripts, and more! This issue features the following peer-reviewed articles: "SCI-IEQCC Network and SCI-Ontario: Working Together to Develop and Implement a Skin Check Video Resource for Pressure Injury Prevention in Spinal Cord Injury" "The Canadian Wound Care Education Framework" Calling all authors! The CJWOC publishes peer-reviewed manuscripts on topics related to wound, ostomy and continence nursing practice. Submit your clinical article or case study now and share your research and experiences with colleagues across Canada. As an NSWOCC member, one of the amazing membership benefits is support for publishing clinical cases, articles, research, and more! Our editor-in-chief is able to help you with writing and publishing your ideas, even if you're a novice writer.  For further information about submissions or general inquiries, please contact: Lina Martins, MScN, BScN, RN, WOCC(C) cjwoc@nswoc.ca Thank you to the Editorial Board for their effort in launching this journal!   Lina Martins, MScN, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) CJWOC Editor-in-Chief / Éditrice en chef du JCPSC JWOCN Canadian Feature Section Editor / Éditrice de la section canadienne du JWOCN Editorial Board Member for Ontario / Membre de l'équipe éditoriale de l'Ontario Louise Forest-Lalande, inf., MEd., stomothérapeute French Editor / Éditrice (français) Editorial Board Member for Québec & Atlantic Canada / Membre de l'équipe éditoriale du Québec et des Maritimes Julie Gagnon, inf., MScN, stomothérapeute  French Language Associate / Collaboratrice (français) Karen Campbell, PhD, MScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Editorial Board Member for British Columbia & Yukon / Membre de l'équipe éditoriale de la Colombie-Britannique et du Yukon Kevin Woo, PhD, RN, FAPWCA, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Editorial Board Member for Prairies, Northwest Territories, & Nunavut / Membre de l'équipe éditoriale des Prairies, des Territoires du Nord-Ouest et du Nunavut

The mission statement of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is “Leading excellence is our passion, enhancing lives is our inspiration, Innovation is our commitment.” As part of this ongoing mission, we are excited to announce the launch of the WOC Review Podcast , the official podcast of the Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence (CJWOC) . The CJWOC  represents a bold leap forward, shifting the focus from the previous NSWOC Advance  to a more academically-driven, scientific platform. The CJWOC is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal, allowing Canadian clinicians to share cutting-edge research, critical insights, and innovative practices in wound, ostomy, and continence care. The WOC Review Podcast  is a vital extension of this commitment, offering listeners expert insights through episodes that delve into key topics featured in the journal. Hosted on our CJWOC site , the podcast covers a variety of themes: Crossroads  – Exploring intersections of wound, ostomy, and continence care Tissue Issues  – Focused on wound care and prevention Brief Exchanges  – Addressing continence management Gut Feelings  – Delving into ostomy care and innovation Current Episodes: Episode 1: Welcome to the WOC Review An introduction to the WOC Review podcast, outlining our mission to advance wound, ostomy, and continence care. Listen at https://cjwoc.ca/index.php/cjwoc/podcast Episode 2: Building the Foundation: Canada’s Wound Care Education Framework   A deep dive into Canada's new wound care education framework, designed to standardize and elevate training for healthcare professionals. [Related Article: The Canadian Wound Care Education Framework ] Listen at https://cjwoc.ca/index.php/cjwoc/podcast Episode 3: Lights, Camera, Skin Check: Preventing Pressure Injuries Discussing innovative strategies for preventing pressure injuries. [Related Article: SCI-IEQCC Network and SCI-Ontario: Working Together to Develop and Implement a Skin Check Video Resource for Pressure Injury Prevention in Spinal Cord Injury ] Listen at https://cjwoc.ca/index.php/cjwoc/podcast We invite you to subscribe  and listen to all episodes directly on our CJWOC podcast page . Read the CJWOC NSWOCC Members:  You can access the first Spring 2025 issue by clicking the cover image in this post, visiting your membership account , or heading over to our dedicated CJWOC  website at https://cjwoc.ca/index.php/cjwoc/index for the latest updates, manuscript submissions, and more.

Date:  Saturday, May 10, 2025 Time:  10:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET Location:  Virtual (Free to attend) Register Now:   Click here to register Download the Agenda:   skinspectrum.ca/ad As an NSWOCC Member, you play a key role in the early recognition, education, and support of patients and families impacted by chronic skin conditions. That’s why we’re encouraging all NSWOCC Members to attend the 2025 Summit on Atopic Dermatitis —a free, virtual half-day event designed to provide comprehensive, up-to-date education on one of the most common and complex inflammatory skin conditions. Why Attend? This year’s summit seeks to address the gaps in clinical education  surrounding atopic dermatitis (AD) —especially across the skin spectrum. The agenda includes expert-led sessions focused on: Recognizing AD  in various skin tones Communicating with families and caregivers Managing pediatric patients  with AD Identifying common triggers  and comorbidities Understanding the latest available therapies You’ll gain practical knowledge and clinical tools to improve your ability to support diverse patient populations, especially children, in both acute and community care settings. Learning Objectives By the end of the summit, attendees will be able to: Confidently diagnose AD across a range of skin types Use effective communication strategies with pediatric patients and families Implement treatment and prevention protocols  tailored to diverse patients Evaluate the latest therapies  and how they may fit into your practice Recognize and manage common triggers  of flare-ups How to Participate Attendance is free, and registration is now open! 👉 Click here to register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1417442159837/WN_OLhH8xVtSTyOpqj6hF0WMA#/registration 📄 Download the full program  to preview session topics and timing. A Must-Attend for NSWOCC Members Whether you’re working in acute care, long-term care, or the community, this summit offers essential learning that aligns with our mission to advance skin health and improve patient outcomes. Don’t miss the opportunity to deepen your understanding of AD and build greater confidence in managing this chronic condition.

On behalf of the Canadian Urological Association (CUA) and the Urology Nurses of Canada (UNC), we are pleased to extend a special invitation for NSWOCC Members to attend the upcoming 37th Annual Urology Excellence Conference , held in partnership with the CUA, on Friday, June 27, 2025 at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa, Ontario. This collaborative event brings together leading urology professionals, researchers, and nurses from across Canada for a full day of expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and educational programming tailored to frontline care providers. 🗓 Event Highlights – Friday, June 27: A Tool for Preventing and Diagnosing UTIs – Fran Stewart, RN, NCA Cognitive Biases in Urologic Care – Dr. Mike Leverage Practical Teaching for Clean Intermittent Catheterization – Susan Kuhl, RN Peri-Operative Care for Trans and Gender Diverse Patients – Dr. Alexi Millman Managing Sexual Dysfunction in Prostate Cancer Survivors – Dr. Gerry Brock UNC AGM, Awards Ceremony, and Exhibitor Networking 🎟 Registration Includes: Full-day access to the Urology Excellence Conference (June 27) Admission to the CUA Scientific Program (June 28–29) Welcome Reception at the National Arts Centre (June 27) Special Rate for UNC Members: $275 Non-Member Rate: $375 Register today at https://unc.org/registration/ We encourage NSWOCC Members interested in urological health, continence care, and interdisciplinary learning to take advantage of this exceptional event in the heart of Canada’s capital.

By Jessica Jones, RN, BN, stomothérapeute, WOCC(C) The National Conference is just one way to enjoy Montréal! One of our Membership Core Program Members, Jessica Jones, RN, BN, stomothérapeute, WOCC(C), put together a list of things to do and places to eat to make your Things to do: Botanical Gardens (Viau or Pie IX metro); by the end of May the garden should be starting to spring into bloom. This site also boasts Olympic stadium, the biodome, planetarium and insectarium (buy a combined ticket to save money) as well as Saputo stadium, home of the Montreal impact if you want to catch a soccer game.  Atwater Market (Lionel Groulx Metro). La Grande roue de Montreal; enjoy sweeping city views.  Old Montreal, Old Port and Notre Dame Basilica; wander around this area on foot and enjoy the historic side of Montreal with its impressive architecture, street performers and food trucks. Spa Bota Bota; after 5 days of conference unwind at this spa located on a boat in the St-Laurence. Oratoire Saint-Joseph (Cote des Neiges Metro); whether or not you decide to walk up all the stairs on your knees, according to tradition, it is a beautiful walk with stunning views.  Eaton centre, the worlds largest underground mall in case the weather isn’t cooperating. Credit © Sylvie Li - Tourisme Montréal Places to eat: Save La Banquise  (Mont-Royal Metro) unanimously voted the best poutine in Montreal by Quebec NSWOC’s  Schwartz’s Deli  (Sherbrooke Metro) classic Montreal smoke meat.  St-Viateur Bagel  (Mont-Royal Metro) Montreal is famously known for their bagels. Nothing beats one of these fresh out of the oven.  Splurge Garde Manger , upscale tasting menus by famous Montreal Chef Chuck Hughs. Make sure to reserve early.  Saturday afternoon Tea at the Fairmount Queen Elizabeth Hotel : nothing says fancy like tiny sandwiches at the hotel where John and Yoko had their famous anti-war bed-in in 1969. Credit © Alison Slattery - Tourisme Montréal Credit © Laurène Tinel - Tourisme Montréal

On April 3, 2025, Marcia Leard, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), Past President of NSWOCC, was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Commemorative Medal for her remarkable contributions to nursing in Prince Edward Island. Marcia was recognized alongside Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island Dr. Wassim Salamoun. The Coronation Medal celebrates the ascension of His Majesty King Charles III to the throne of Canada and is overseen by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall. It is awarded to individuals who have significantly enhanced their community, province, territory, or Canada as a whole, or who have achieved extraordinary success internationally, bringing credit to Canada. Congratulations, Marcia, on this well-deserved honour! #TeamNSWOC

Team Canada: NSWOCs bring the gold standard to your interprofessional team #TeamNSWOC Click the image to download it. NSWOC Week 2025 is fast approaching, and this year’s theme, " Team Canada: NSWOCs bring the gold standard to your interprofessional team ," shines a spotlight on the essential role Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOCs) play in delivering high-quality care to all wound, ostomy and continence patients across Canada. Why NSWOCs are Essential to Interprofessional Teams NSWOCs bring an unparalleled level of expertise to the healthcare teams they are a part of. With their tri-specialization in wound care, ostomy management, and continence care, NSWOCs ensure that patients facing complex, multifaceted challenges receive the highest standard of care possible. As we celebrate NSWOC Week 2025, it’s important to recognize that NSWOCs are not just providers of direct care—they are leaders in the healthcare system and on interprofessional healthcare teams. Their work goes far beyond patient care, positively influencing interdisciplinary teams through: Evidence-informed leadership  on healthcare teams, guiding decision-making and ensuring cost-effective, high-quality care. Advanced, specialized approaches  to the assessment and management of wounds, ostomies, and continence challenges. Patient education  that empowers individuals and their families to take an active role in their care. Contributions to research , developing protocols, guidelines, and evidence-based practices that shape the future of healthcare. The Impact of NSWOCs on Patient Outcomes (taken from the Power of 3 Campaign) NSWOCs are key to improving the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of healthcare. Studies have shown that home care agencies employing NSWOCs are more likely to see significant improvements in patient outcomes. For example, patients receiving care from NSWOCs experience a notable reduction in pressure injuries, urinary incontinence, and lower extremity ulcers. In fact, pressure injuries are nearly twice as likely to improve, while urinary incontinence shows a 40% improvement, and lower extremity ulcers and surgical wounds improve by 20% to 40% (Westra et al., 2013). Moreover, NSWOCs help patients with ostomies select the right pouching system, tailored to their needs, ostomy type, and abdominal skin contours, thus preventing complications (LeBlanc et al., 2019). They also play a vital role in preventing continence-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and incontinence-associated dermatitis, contributing to better overall care and reducing complications (LeBlanc et al., 2019). The Power of 3: Why NSWOCs Are the Gold Standard You can access the full Power of 3 campaign online, which also has its own presentation file, social media assets, white paper, and more! Visit https://www.nswoc.ca/powerof3 . Join the Celebration: Share Your #TeamNSWOC Story or Nominate an NSWOC for an award! As we look forward to NSWOC Week 2025, let’s take the time to express our gratitude to NSWOCs across Canada. Their contributions—whether in direct care, team leadership, research, or patient education—truly embody the gold standard in Canadian healthcare. We encourage you to join the celebration and recognize your NSWOC colleagues! Share your stories, projects, or recognize someone special by submitting the form below. We’ll feature these NSWOCs and stories on our website or in our newsletter, and you can also nominate an NSWOC for the 2025 NSWOCC Membership Award. Don’t forget to take part in our social media campaign by sharing a photo of yourself and your colleagues using the hashtag #TeamNSWOC . Thank you to all NSWOCs for your unwavering commitment to excellence. Your expertise and dedication make a profound difference, not only in the lives of patients but also in shaping the future of healthcare delivery across Canada. Let’s continue to celebrate and amplify the impact of NSWOCs in our healthcare system! Download the NSWOC Week flyer and campaign materials now! Download the flyer! Click an image to download it. The NSWOC Power of 3 Many points are drawn from the Power of 3 campaign, which also has its own presentation file, social media assets, white paper, and more! To view the Power of 3, please click the button below. Activities related to NSWOC Week 2025 Recognize NSWOCs & Nominate an NSWOC for an Award Want to share an interesting story, project or initiative, or recognize an NSWOC colleague? Submit the form below and we can include it in a featured section on the NSWOCC website and/or in an upcoming newsletter! We would be happy to hear any events, projects, or initiatives you or a colleague are working on. We will make sure to feature it on social media and our website during NSWOC Week. Want to take it one step further? Nominate someone for the 2024-2025 NSWOCC Membership Award! The NSWOCC Membership Award recognizes NSWOCC Members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the field of wound, ostomy, and continence care. This annual award celebrates Members who embody the spirit of our specialty through their actions, initiatives, service, leadership, and/or resilience. The award may celebrate those who: Provide exceptional wound, ostomy, and/or continence care to patients. Implement innovative workplace initiatives to improve quality of care. Exhibit outstanding leadership or mentorship to NSWOCs, SWANs, students, and/or colleagues. Share inspiring stories of resilience or perseverance. Undertake any other contributions to the field of wound, ostomy and/or continence deemed worthy of recognition. Nominate them now below! Join the campaign: Submit your photo Be a part of our NSWOC Week campaign posts by sharing a photo of yourself and your colleagues in NSWOC gear - a lab coat, “We Will WOC You” T-Shirts, with an NSWOC mug, or any other gear you have! Share how you are celebrating NSWOC Week using #TeamNSWOC Leading up to NSWOC Week, and during the week, make sure to use the hashtag #TeamNSWOC so we can follow and re-share how you’re celebrating on social media! Follow NSWOCC on Social Media! Don’t forget to follow us too!

Starting with its Spring 2025 Issue, the CJWOC will be the official publication of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada (NSWOCC). Replacing the NSWOC Advance , this peer-reviewed journal represents an important evolution toward a more scientific and academic-focused publication that reflects the high level of research that raises the standard of our wound, ostomy and continence specialty in Canada.  The Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (CJWOC) will be published three times per year—in Spring, Fall, and Winter—and is available in both digital and print formats. The journal is indexed in CINAHL and EBSCOhost through EBSCO Publishing, as well as in Cengage Learning/Gale, ensuring wide accessibility for healthcare professionals and researchers. NSWOCC Members can access the first issue! Join the CJWOC Community by submitting a manuscript - First time authors welcome! The CJWOC publishes peer-reviewed manuscripts on topics related to wound, ostomy, and continence nursing practice. Submit your clinical article or case study now and share your research and experiences with colleagues across Canada.   For more submission information or editorial guidelines, click below or reach out to an Editorial Board representative for free writing and coaching support. ​ Please note that you must review the Editorial Guidelines prior to submitting a manuscript. The license of copyright form and publication release for photographs/diagrams must also be completed in order to submit a manuscript. ​ If you have any questions, please send an email to our Editor-in-Chief at  cjwoc@nswoc.ca , copying  office@nswoc.ca .  Learn more at www.cjwoc.ca .

“Happiness is a journey not a destination” – Buddha     Laurent Chabal  BSc (CBP), RN, OncPall (Cert), Dip (WH), ET, EAWT  Specialized Stoma Nurse. Ensemble Hospitalier de la Côte - Morges’ Hospital  Lecturer. Geneva School of Health Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland. Haute école de santé Genève, HES-SO Haute école spécialisée de Suisse occidentale  WCET® President  Member of the WCET® Education Committee    As we are celebrating the 45th year of the WCET® Journal, this year has a special acknowledgement to my own Nursing and Stoma Nurse journey.    As some of you will have heard me say, being a Nurse is my second life. Prior to that I had been a student at the University studying biology and more specifically “Cellular Biology and Physiology”(1). This is a pathway which definitely helped me in my career, even though at the time I had no idea it would, or that it would bring me where I stand today. It was also the time that I moved from France to Switzerland, although since a young age, I had traveled back and forth between these two countries to see my mom’s family on holidays.    It has now been 30 years that I became a Nurse. I started at Morges’ Hospital, Switzerland in July 1995. After years of practice on an internal medical unit, and some oncology care, with two years spent in the Hospital’s Pain Control Unit, I was officially certified as a Stoma Nurse in July 2005. I then joined the WCET® Executive Board (EB) in June 2014, at the end of the WCET® Congress held in Gothenburg, Finland.    What amazes me is that I am still learning from patients, families and colleagues, even though I am working in the Stoma, Wound and Continence field for more than 20 years (which I started in July 2003 even before being trained). I feel blessed to serve as an Executive Board member for more than 10 years. I am proud of the job done so far:     I was instrumental in the revision of the BullETin changing it into the Magazine as it is now  I have seen our Journal be professionally translated into 4 languages other than English; thanks to the effort of our Past Immediate President, Dr Elizabeth A Ayello, and the support of Coloplast China regarding its Chinese version, and to Calmoseptine® for its Portuguese and Spanish version. For now, WCET® is still supporting the French version, and all electronic versions (including the English one) which are available via the website(2) in free access. These languages are the top 5 most spoken languages of our membership.  Our organization has won 3 prestigious awards in a row, thanks goes to our outstanding members (EB and others, past and present)  We joined the International Council of Nurses (ICN) as an affiliate organization, allowing our work to be seen on the international specialty and non-specialty nursing stage   Led the creation of the WCET® Past President Advisory Panel  Led the WCET® Journal “Best Article of the Year” initiative. Please refer to the next Journal joint message for more information about it.   I feel very fortunate to have been Vice-President and President Elect in the COVID-19 period, when we also underwent a change of company management, a challenge we had to deal with as a team, under Dr Elizabeth A. Ayello presidency.  I got to work closely with such amazing Wound Ostomy and/or Continence Nurses dedicated to their work, giving their time and energy, without expecting anything in return, for a purpose which goes far beyond themselves.  As an EB member have witnessed the celebration of the 100th anniversary of our founder, Norma N. Gill, the 45th birthday of our organization, Sadly I had to witness several pioneers leaving life’s stage – most recently we lost Norma’s daughter, Sally J. Thompson(3) who will be greatly missed.  I was honoured to attend the 2024 Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses (WOCN®) Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, where our tri specialty was created from the ground up.     In addition, this year marks the 120th anniversary of the Nursing school where I was trained in Geneva, “Le Bon Secours” now called “Haute Ecole de Santé” and the 25th anniversary of the Ensemble Hospitalier de la Côte, where I work as a Clinician.    Denise Hibbert will be taking over as the next WCET® President. This year will mark the special attention and follow up on WCET® matters in order to make ready for her to be able to step in at the end of our next WCET® Biennial Congress in 2026, this will be a celebration of our 25th biennial Congress.     We will know by the end of this year who our next President Elect will be as the call for nominations has gone out and the election will run in July.    I can also say I could not be happier to end my presidency when attending this next biennial congress which will be a WCET-NSWOCC joint congress, held in Vancouver from April 24 to 28, 2026. I feel very confident WCET® will continue its journey in very good hands when the time comes for me to formally pass the torch to Denise and her team.     Chabal LO. 2022. WCET® Welcomes new President: Laurent O. Chabal. NSWOC Advance  52(2):52-54  https://wcetn.org/page/ReadJournal    Ayello EA & Chabal LO. 2024. Sally J (born Gill) Thompson, ET 1 June 1952 - 19 October 2024. WCET® Journal  44(4):11.

The geko™ Wound Therapy device improves blood flow, reduces edema, and accelerates wound healing. The following are the most recent  articles about the geko™ Wound Therapy Device with links to the articles:   Harding et al:  geko™ device Increases Microcirculatory Flux in Mixed Etiology Leg Ulcers.   Advances in Skin & Wound Care   38(1):p 25-30, 1/2 2025.  |  DOI:  10.1097/ASW.0000000000000261   Link to Paper Collarte A, Dee N . Muscle pump activation for hard-to-heal leg ulcers. J Community Nurs 39(1): 28–36 2025.   Link to Paper Stacey MC, Sibbald RG, Evans R. Continuous muscle pump activation by neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the common peroneal nerve in the treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers: A position paper.  Int Wound J. 2024 Sep;21(9):e70040. doi: 10.1111/iwj.70040. PMID: 39223104; PMCID: PMC11368661. Link to Paper Tuson R, Metry A, Harding K . Cost-effectiveness analysis of the geko™ device (an NMES technology) in managing venous leg ulcers in UK healthcare settings. Int Wound J. 2024 Oct;21(10): e70048. doi: 10.1111/iwj.70048. PMID: 39396902; PMCID: PMC11471310   Link to Paper Sibbald, R.G.,   Geng , R.,   Slomovic , J.,   Stacey , M. The muscle pump activator device: From evidence to lived experiences.  Int Wound J. Volume 21, Issue 8 . 2024.   Link to Paper Bull RH, Clements D, Collarte AJ, Harding KG. The impact of a new intervention for venous leg ulcers: A within-patient controlled trial.  Int Wound J. 2023;1‐9. doi: 10.1111/iwj.14107 Link to Paper

It is with heavy hearts that Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) acknowledges the passing of one of our former members, Anne Margaret Voll-Reitzel. Anne graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McMaster University in 1987, and over the next 30 years, she dedicated herself to nursing with a focus on providing exceptional care. Anne later completed a Master’s in Clinical Sciences at Western University. In 2007, Anne completed the NSWOC Program (formerly known as ET-NEP). Her career culminated in her role as a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (formerly called Enterostomal Therapist) at Health Sciences North in Sudbury. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Anne's family, friends, and colleagues. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anne's memory may be made to the Nipissing Serenity Hospice in North Bay, an organization close to her heart. Donations can be made here: Nipissing Serenity Hospice - Donate . For those who wish to read more about Anne’s life, please visit her obituary: Anne Margaret VOLL-REITZEL Obituary .