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Ottawa, ON — May 1, 2026 Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) is pleased to announce the appointment of Axelle Pellerin, MBA, BA, as the association’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2026. Axelle Pellerin is an accomplished healthcare executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience in complex healthcare environments. Axelle began her career in politics working on Parliament Hill, she held multiple leadership roles in cabinet ministers’ offices. She has always had a passion for healthcare and ensuring Canadians have access to the best healthcare when they need it the most. Throughout her career, she has held senior leadership positions with several respected healthcare organizations, including the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine, Unity Health Toronto (St. Joseph’s Health Centre Toronto), and The Ottawa Hospital. Most recently she was the Executive Director of Inpatient Addiction Treatment Facility. She also previously served as Chair of the Board for the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre, one of only two midwifery-led out-of-hospital independent health facilities in Ontario. Most recently, Axelle completed her Executive MBA through the Quantic School of Business and Technology. Axelle presents her vision at the NSWOCC 2026 AMM. NSWOCC Members were formally introduced to Axelle during the NSWOCC Annual Members Meeting held as part of the WCET®-NSWOCC® Joint Congress on April 25, 2026, at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia. During the presentation, Axelle shared her initial vision and priorities for the association, outlining her commitment to supporting members and advancing the future of wound, ostomy and continence care across Canada. NSWOCC is excited to welcome Axelle into this leadership role and looks forward to the experience, innovation, and strategic direction she will bring to the association in the years ahead. Cathy joins NSWOCC Members at the AMM in applauding Axelle, newly announced as the incoming NSWOCC CEO. Axelle succeeds Cathy Harley, who served NSWOCC as Executive Director and later Chief Executive Officer for 22 years. Since joining the organization in 2004, Cathy played an instrumental role in shaping and modernizing the association while advancing wound, ostomy and continence nursing nationally and internationally. Under Cathy’s leadership, NSWOCC strengthened its governance structure, achieved financial sustainability to support both short- and long-term strategic objectives, and guided the association through its historic transition from the Canadian Association of Enterostomal Therapists (CAET) to Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) in 2018. Cathy Harley speaks at the WCET-NSWOCC Joint Congress Gala on 25 April 2026. Cathy also championed numerous initiatives that significantly impacted the nursing and healthcare communities, including supporting advanced nursing education in wound, ostomy and continence care; advocating for improved recognition of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs); and contributing to increased ostomy reimbursement support in Ontario. One of Cathy’s most valued accomplishments was working alongside Indigenous nurses to support the development of the Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence Health Core Program in alignment with Truth and Reconciliation efforts. She also contributed to securing a contract with the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care to support the training of Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWAN™) in long-term care settings. Throughout her tenure, Cathy supported the delivery of 21 national conferences and helped oversee the growth and development of NSWOCC’s 11 Core Programs, as well as the association’s two official interest groups: the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP™) and the Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (CPIAP). When announcing her retirement in July 2025, Cathy expressed her sincere gratitude to the many Board Directors, Core Program Leaders, volunteers, members, contracted staff, industry partners, aligned associations, and patients she had the privilege of working alongside throughout her career. NSWOCC extends its heartfelt appreciation to Cathy Harley for her exceptional leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to the association and the wound, ostomy and continence nursing community. Her impact and legacy will continue to shape the future of NSWOCC for years to come. The association wishes Cathy a well-deserved, restful, and fulfilling retirement. The NSWOCC Members give Cathy a final standing ovation at the NSWOCC 2026 AMM. In recognition of her more than two decades of leadership and service, Cathy was named an Honourary NSWOCC Fellow during the WCET®-NSWOCC® Joint Congress Banquet held on April 25, 2026, in Vancouver, British Columbia. CEO Transition Timeline July 2025 – Cathy Harley announces her retirement July 2025 – NSWOCC develops a CEO search and transition plan July 2025 – Candidate search committee established 2025–2026 – NSWOCC works with executive recruitment firm Odgers Early 2026 – Top three candidates identified End of February 2026 – Offer extended to the successful candidate March 2026 – Axelle Pellerin begins transition and onboarding process with Cathy Harley May 1, 2026 – Axelle Pellerin officially assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer and Cathy Harley officially retires To read Cathy Harley’s original retirement announcement, visit: NSWOCC CEO Retirement Announcement

Over 450 Clinicians from acute care, long-term care, and community settings came together in March 2026 for a series of immersive, in-person workshops hosted by NSWOCC in partnership with WoundWISE. Delivered across Regina, Saskatoon, and Alberta, these station-based sessions focused on practical wound care training, collaboration, and professional development. Attendees came together across three March dates at The Hotel Saskatchewan (March 24), The Saskatoon Inn and Conference Centre (March 26), and the Chateau Louis Hotel and Conference Centre (March 31). Each session centred on a shared goal: strengthening clinical skills “from cleanse to close” through hands-on, best practice–driven education. Participants rotated through interactive learning stations that delivered real-world product training and advanced wound care insights across the full healing continuum, from acute to chronic wounds. Each station was led by NSWOC educators, with support from industry partners Biomiq, Solventum, Perfuse Medtec, Essity, Schaan Healthcare Products, NanoTess, Medline, and Hollister, whose collaboration helped create a rich and engaging learning environment. These workshops gave healthcare professionals the opportunity to practice techniques, explore new innovations, and build confidence in wound assessment and management, while also connecting with peers across a range of care settings. The atmosphere in both London and Toronto reflected a shared commitment to ongoing learning, clinical excellence, and improving patient outcomes through evidence-informed practice. A Sincere thank you to our NSWOC educators, our dedicated industry partners, and WoundWISE for making these free educational opportunities possible. Stay tuned for upcoming hands-on workshops and clinical education events as NSWOCC continues to support nurses and clinicians across Canada with high-quality, practical training experiences.

Four months after the release of the Canadian Best Practice Recommendations in Wound Care for People Who Use Drugs: A Harm Reduction Approach, this podcast offers an opportunity to revisit not just what was created—but why it was created, and how. Developed by Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) in partnership with the Harm Reduction Nurses Association (HRNA) and the Ontario Network of People Who Use Drugs (ONPUD), the Best Practice Recommendations (BPRs) marked a significant step forward in advancing more inclusive, evidence-informed wound care. While the document itself was officially launched in December 2025, this podcast—recorded prior to its release—captures the intention, care, and collaboration that shaped its development from the very beginning. As shared by Corey Ranger, Andrzej Celinski, Priyanka Jani, and Lili Berescu, this work was never intended to be developed quickly. Instead, it was approached with intention—ensuring that all voices were heard, particularly those with lived and living experience, and that the process itself reflected the same principles of harm reduction that the document promotes. The panelists reflect on the time, collaboration, and thoughtfulness required to create guidance that is not only clinically sound, but also compassionate, equitable, and grounded in real-world practice. Throughout the podcast, it becomes clear that these BPRs are more than a clinical resource—they represent a shift in how care is understood and delivered. Rooted in harm reduction, the recommendations position wound care as a critical point of connection: an opportunity to build trust, reduce stigma, and engage individuals who may otherwise be excluded from traditional healthcare systems. This intention is echoed across the discussion, with speakers emphasizing the importance of meeting people where they are, without judgment, and recognizing the broader social and structural factors that influence health. The conversation also reinforces the collaborative and inclusive model that defined the development of the BPRs. By bringing together clinicians, researchers, and individuals with lived experience through partnerships with HRNA and ONPUD, the recommendations reflect both clinical expertise and community insight. This approach—also highlighted in the original launch—ensures that the guidance is not only evidence-based, but meaningful, practical, and responsive to the needs of those it is designed to support. Importantly, the podcast looks ahead as much as it looks back. The speakers describe the BPRs as a starting point—an evolving resource meant to be applied, adapted, and built upon over time. Together, the podcast and the document underscore a shared goal: to advance more compassionate, person-centred care and to continue pushing the boundaries of what equitable healthcare can and should look like. Access the Best Practice Recommendations The Canadian Best Practice Recommendations in Wound Care for People Who Use Drugs: A Harm Reduction Approach are now available online. We encourage all clinicians, educators, and healthcare leaders to explore the document and consider how these recommendations can be applied within their own practice and organizations: Review the full Best Practice Recommendations Share the resource with your team and colleagues Integrate harm reduction principles into your wound care practice Access the BPRs here: https://nswoc.ca/bpr#wound-care-pwud Together, by revisiting this work and continuing the conversation, we can build on its foundation and advance safer, more inclusive, and more compassionate care for people who use drugs across Canada. Speakers Featured in the Podcast The podcast brings together a thoughtful and well-rounded group of speakers whose perspectives reflect the intersection of clinical practice, advocacy, education, and lived experience in harm reduction. Corey Ranger, President of the Harm Reduction Nurses Association (HRNA), brings a strong national leadership voice grounded in frontline nursing practice. With over a decade of experience in street outreach, community, and public health settings, Corey has been deeply engaged in harm reduction work since 2013. In the discussion, he speaks to the evolution of harm reduction within healthcare systems, emphasizing the need for nurses and interdisciplinary teams to adopt flexible, patient-centered approaches. He highlights how integrating harm reduction into wound care is not only practical, but essential to improving access, building trust, and reducing preventable complications among underserved populations. Andrzej Celinski, a member of the Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs (CAPUD), contributes a critical and deeply reflective perspective shaped by both lived and learned experience. With academic training in environmental studies and urban planning from York University, Andrzej situates harm reduction within broader systems—particularly housing, urban infrastructure, and public policy. In the podcast, he challenges listeners to consider how drug prohibition and structural inequities create and sustain harm, while advocating for approaches that prioritize dignity, autonomy, and community-led solutions. His insights reinforce the importance of including people with lived experience in the development of best practice recommendations. Priyanka Jani brings a dynamic blend of clinical experience and grassroots advocacy to the conversation. As a nurse who has worked across long-term care, public health, and community settings in Hamilton and Kitchener, Priyanka has developed a strong foundation in supporting diverse and often underserved populations. Her work as a Consumption Treatment Service (CTS) nurse with Sanguen Health Centre, along with her leadership role on the Board of Directors of the Student Overdose Prevention Education Network (SOPEN), has positioned her at the forefront of harm reduction education and outreach. In the podcast, she speaks to the importance of meeting patients where they are and ensuring that wound, ostomy, and continence care is accessible, equitable, and responsive to the realities of people who use drugs and those experiencing housing insecurity. Lili Berescu offers a deeply community-rooted perspective informed by years of practice in the Waterloo region. As an NSWOC and WOCC(C)-certified nurse, Lili has worked across a range of settings including Consumption Treatment Services, public health, outreach programs, and safer supply initiatives. Their experience in various health settings has provided unique insight into the complexities of delivering care in harm reduction environments. In the discussion, Lili emphasizes the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces where individuals feel heard and respected, and highlights how integrating harm reduction principles into everyday nursing practice can strengthen relationships, improve outcomes, and support more compassionate systems of care.

At Ostomy Canada Youth Camp children and teens living with an ostomy or bowel or bladder diversion surgery discover they’re not alone. NSWOCC is proud to support Ostomy Canada’s Youth Camp and share the powerful impact of this program. We are especially proud to be sharing this during NSWOC Week as it highlights the meaningful role NSWOCs play in supporting people living with an ostomy beyond the clinical setting. NSWOCC supports camp each year through donations and NSWOC volunteers, including those featured in this video. Camp brings together young people from across Canada who are living with conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, cancer, and congenital conditions. In a safe and supportive environment, campers build confidence, form lifelong friendships, and connect with others who truly understand their journey. Volunteer NSWOCs help ensure campers feel safe, supported, empowered, and able to fully participate in the experience. Special thanks to videographer and camp alumnus Noel Young and photographer Sean Currie for capturing the heart of Youth Camp and providing an opportunity for campers and staff to share why Youth Camp is such a meaningful and magical week each year. Why Youth Camp Matters Kids meet others living with the same health challenges Campers gain confidence and independence Mentors and ostomy nurses provide support and guidance Lifelong friendships are formed Help more kids experience the magic of camp You can support Ostomy Canada Youth Camp by sponsoring a child and helping ensure that every young person who needs this experience can attend. Thank you for supporting young people in the Ostomy Canada community. Please share this information with your patients and families who may benefit from Ostomy Canada Youth Camp. Learn more at https://www.ostomycanada.ca/

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026 Time: 4:15 PM – 5:45 PM PDT (7:15 PM - 8:45 PM EDT) Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Annual Members Meeting (AMM) will take place in person at the Vancouver Convention Centre, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, in East Meeting Room 8/15, and will also be available virtually via Zoom Webinar. This meeting is being held in conjunction with the WCET–NSWOCC Joint Congress taking place April 24–28, 2026. 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, whether attending in person or virtually via Zoom, will have one 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 To become an NSWOCC Member or Associate, please visit https://www.nswoc.ca/become-a-member . To RSVP for in-person or virtual, please click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m_gHqlNJQLGw2Eao1bcxaQ If your membership is not already renewed, you must renew your membership before the meeting online at www.membersnswoc.ca . NSWOCC 2025-2026 Annual Report We look forward to your participation. Sincerely, NSWOCC Board of Directors

#NSWOCQuality Quality Improvement starts with NSWOC®s NSWOC Week 2026 is fast approaching and our theme this year is: Quality Improvement Starts With NSWOCs! Save the date to celebrate 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. Quality Improvement starts with NSWOC®s  When healthcare organizations invest in specialized wound, ostomy and continence care, quality becomes part of every step in the patient journey. Join us in celebrating the impact of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs) on quality improvement across healthcare organizations and the continuum of care. Expert Assessment and Care NSWOCs are specifically trained to design and implement comprehensive, evidence-informed care plans for patients with wound, ostomy, and continence challenges, using advanced and specialized approaches to guide assessment, treatment, and management. Evidence-Based Practice NSWOCs provide leadership on interdisciplinary healthcare teams, promoting current, evidence-informed and cost-efficient approaches to address wound, ostomy and continence challenges, leading to higher-quality care, reduced costs, and improved patient outcomes. Standards & Policy Development NSWOCs play a key role in shaping standards and policy through their contributions to national and provincial best practice recommendations and research priorities. This work supports informed decision-making, advances evidence-based practice, and strengthens the quality of wound, ostomy and continence care delivery across practice settings. Research & Education Through research and education, NSWOCs strengthen clinical knowledge and support both patient self-management and provider competency.Through outcome tracking and data-informed decision-making, they enable earlier intervention, improve care effectiveness, and help reduce overall system burden. Enhancing Health Care Outcomes NSWOCs enhance health care outcomes by improving healing rates, reducing complications, and supporting timely access to appropriate care. Their specialized expertise contributes to shorter hospital stays, better management of complex conditions, and overall improved patient outcomes across care settings. These statements are taking directly from the NSWOC Power of 3 (l’expertise à la puissance 3) Campaign. The NSWOC Power of 3 You can access the full Power of 3 campaign online, which also has its own presentation file, social media assets, white paper, and more! Join the campaign: Share a photo and tag #NSWOCQuality 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! Or, take part in our social media campaign by sharing a photo of yourself and your colleagues using the hashtag #NSWOCQuality. 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 flyer! Click an image to download it. Activities related to NSWOC Week 2026 La semaine des ISPSCs 2026 : du 13 au 17 avril 2026 La Semaine des ISPSCs 2026 approche et le thème de cette année, L’amélioration de la qualité commence avec les ISPSC Réservez la date pour célébrer le rôle essentiel que jouent les infirmières spécialisées en plaies, stomies et continence (ISPSC) dans la prestation de soins de haute qualité à tous les patients atteints de plaies, stomies et continences à travers le Canada. L’amélioration de la qualité commence avec les ISPSC® Lorsque les organisations de santé investissent dans des soins spécialisés en plaies, stomies et continence, la qualité est inhérente à l’expérience des patients. Célébrons l'impact des infirmières spécialisées en plaies, stomies et continence (ISPSC®) sur l'amélioration de la qualité au sein des organisations de santé et à travers tout le continuum de soins. Évaluation et soins experts Les ISPSCs sont formées spécifiquement pour concevoir et mettre en œuvre des plans de soins méticuleux, fondés sur des données probantes, pour les patients ayant des défis liés aux plaies, aux stomies et à la continence, en utilisant des approches avancées et spécialisées pour guider l’évaluation, le traitement et la prise en charge. Pratiques fondées sur les données probantes Les ISPSCs exercent un leadership au sein des équipes de soins de santé interdisciplinaires, en promouvant des méthodes actuelles, fondées sur des données probantes, ainsi que des décisions de soins efficientes pour répondre aux défis liés aux plaies, stomies et continence, ce qui mène à des soins de meilleure qualité, à des coûts réduits et à de meilleurs résultats pour les patients. Normes et élaboration de politiques Les ISPSC jouent un rôle clé dans l’élaboration des normes et des politiques grâce à leur contribution aux lignes directrices de meilleures pratiques aux niveaux national et provincial, ainsi qu’à l’identification des priorités de recherche. Ce travail soutient une prise de décision éclairée, favorise la pratique fondée sur des données probantes et renforce la qualité des soins en plaies, stomies et continence dans les milieux de pratique. Recherche et formation Par leurs activités en recherche et en formation, les ISPSC renforcent les connaissances cliniques et soutiennent à la fois l’autogestion des patients et les compétences des professionnels. Grâce au suivi des résultats et à une prise de décision fondée sur les données, elles permettent des interventions plus précoces, améliorent l’efficacité des soins et contribuent à réduire la pression sur le système de santé De meilleurs résultats en soins de santé Les ISPSCs améliorent les résultats en soins de santé en favorisant la guérison, en réduisant les complications et en facilitant un accès rapide à des soins appropriés. Leur expertise spécialisée contribue à réduire la durée des séjours hospitaliers, à mieux gérer les conditions complexes et à améliorer globalement les résultats pour les patients dans divers milieux de soins. Ces énoncés sont tirés directement de la campagne « l’expertise à la puissance 3 » de l’ISPSC. L’expertise à la Puissance 3 de l'ISPSC Vous pouvez accéder à la campagne complète l’Expertise à la puissance 3 en ligne, qui comprend également un fichier de présentation, des ressources pour les médias sociaux, un livre blanc et plus encore ! Participez à la campagne : Soumettez votre photo Faites partie de nos publications sur la campagne de la Semaine des ISPSC en partageant une photo en tenue ISPSC - une labcoat, des T-shirts « We Will WOC You », avec une tasse ISPSC ou tout autre accessoire ! N'oubliez pas de participer à notre campagne sur les médias sociaux en partageant une photo de vous et de vos collègues en utilisant le hashtag #QualitéISPSC . Merci à toutes les ISPSCs pour leur engagement inébranlable en faveur de l'excellence. Votre expertise et votre dévouement font une différence profonde, non seulement dans la vie des patients, mais aussi dans la façon dont les soins de santé sont dispensés au Canada. Continuons à célébrer et à mettre en valeur l'impact des ISPSC dans notre système de santé ! Téléchargez le flyer Follow NSWOCC on Social Media!

Nominations are now open for the NSWOCC Membership Awards until March 31, 2026. 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 honour 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. Preference will be given to stories or initiatives from the last 18 months, but nominations for achievements or events from further in the past are also welcome. Nominations are now open! Nominations close on March 31, 2026. The award will be presented at the NSWOCC Annual Members Meeting (AMM) on April 25, 2026 at the WCET-NSWOCC Joint Congress. Nomination Details: Nominations can be submitted by NSWOCC Members, non-members, or through self-nomination. To submit, please complete this form online at https://membersnswoc.ca/award_nominations.phtml All nominations will be reviewed by the NSWOCC Membership Core Program Submission Notes: Each nomination may include one or multiple NSWOCC Members. The story you share will help highlight the nominee's impact and dedication to our specialty. For assistance or questions, contact the NSWOCC Membership Core Program at administration@nswoc.ca. We look forward to celebrating the incredible contributions of our Members!

The WoundWISE™ team, in collaboration with Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®), is bringing a new standard of hands-on, practical wound care product education to clinicians across Canada and this March we’re coming to Western Canada! What is WoundWISE™? WoundWISE™ is a hands-on, station-based clinical education workshop developed in partnership with Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®). It’s designed to bridge the gap between product innovation and practical wound care by giving clinicians dedicated, hands-on time with the latest technologies and techniques, guided by product specialists and clinical educators, and rooted in best practice guidelines. These workshop events are designed to provide those in community, home, long-term and acute care practical, transferable skills you can bring right back to the bedside. They will includes keynote presentations, two hands-on workshop sessions where you’ll rotate through education stations led by industry educators and local NSWOCs, plus networking over breakfast refreshments and lunch. You’ll also receive an NSWOCC®-issued certificate of attendance and samples/materials from educating partners. The detailed agenda, educating industry partners, and keynote speaker information will be coming soon. keep an eye on the event page for updates. Save Your Spot – Please Use Your Access Code A limited number of spots have been reserved specifically for clinicians in our area. When you register, please use the access code that applies to your care setting, even if you see General Admission tickets still available. Using the correct code helps ensure that General Admission spots are available for clinicians across other care settings who may not have a special access code. Don’t delay in registering . Any remaining held tickets will be released to the public one week before the event, so I’d encourage you to register as soon as possible to secure your spot. Regina, SK When: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 9AM-2:45PM CST (registration opens at 8:15AM) Where: The Hotel Saskatchewan, Autograph Collection Access Code: Acute Care: RGACUTE Community/Home Care: RGCOMMUNITY Saskatoon, SK When: Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 9AM–2:45PM CST (registration opens at 8:15AM) Where: Saskatoon Inn & Conference Centre Access Code: Acute Care: SKACUTE Community/Home Care: SKCOMMUNITY Edmonton, AB When: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 9AM–2:45PM MST (registration opens at 8:15AM) Where:  Chateau Louis Hotel & Conference Centre Access Code: Acute Care: EDMACUTE Community/Home Care: EDMCOMMUNITY Spaces are limited at each location, so clinicians interested in advancing their practical wound care knowledge and engaging with peers in their community are encouraged to register early! Want to see WoundWISE in your city? Comment on the site or email hello@woundwise.ca .

Across Canada and beyond, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs), Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWANs), and members of our broader community have dedicated their careers to improving patient outcomes, advancing practice, and strengthening health systems. As many colleagues begin to transition into retirement, NSWOCC wants to ensure their contributions are recognized, celebrated, and remembered. We are inviting members to complete the NSWOCC Retirement Recognition & Notification Form —either for themselves or on behalf of a colleague who is planning to retire or has recently retired. Why we’re collecting this information Retirement marks an important professional milestone. For NSWOCC, it is also an opportunity to acknowledge the leadership, mentorship, innovation, and compassion that retiring members have brought to the profession over the years. The information collected through this form will help us: Recognize retiring members at the NSWOCC Annual Members Meeting  during the WCET–NSWOCC Joint Congress on April 25, 2026 Celebrate their contributions in NSWOCC communications, including our newsletter and website (with permission) Document the history and impact of NSWOCs and SWANs across Canada and internationally Highlight the legacy of members who have shaped wound, ostomy, and continence care through education, clinical leadership, research, and advocacy Ensure colleagues are not overlooked during this important transition Many members have spent decades building programs, mentoring new clinicians, advancing best practices, and advocating for patients and families. Capturing these stories allows us to honour that work in a meaningful and lasting way. Who should complete the form? We encourage submissions from: Members who are retiring this year or who have recently retired Colleagues, leaders, and friends who wish to recognize a retiring NSWOC or SWAN Teams who want to acknowledge someone who has had a significant impact on their organization or region You do not need to have every detail to submit—sharing what you know helps us begin the recognition process. What information will be used for The form gathers career highlights, professional contributions, and recognition preferences so that acknowledgements are respectful, accurate, and meaningful. With consent, this information may be used in: Annual Members Meeting recognition Congress materials and slides NSWOCC website and newsletter features Historical and archival records of member contributions Our goal is to ensure every retiring member feels seen, appreciated, and celebrated for the role they have played in advancing care and supporting patients and colleagues. Help us celebrate our retiring members If you are retiring—or know someone who is—please take a few minutes to complete the form and share their story. Your submission will help us honour the people whose dedication has shaped our community and the profession. Together, we can recognize the careers, leadership, and lasting impact of those who have helped define wound, ostomy, and continence care in Canada and beyond.

WOCNext ® 2026: Advancing Wound, Ostomy, & Continence Practice May 31–June 2, 2026 | Indianapolis, IN Wound healing, ostomy care, and continence management impact patient outcomes in every healthcare setting worldwide. WOCNext® 2026 delivers: 35+ Contact Hours 50+ Evidence-based clinical sessions 100+ Exhibiting companies showcasing the latest innovations Hands-on skill-building and specialty-driven insights you can immediately use in practice Join a global community advancing excellence in wound, ostomy, and continence care—and expand your expertise in areas that touch every patient population. Register at wocnext.org  by April 27 to receive Early Bird savings.

Do you know an NSWOC who has made a significant impact on the wound, ostomy and continence tri-specialty? Nominations are now open for the NSWOCC Fellowship Program until March 15, 2026. The NSWOCC Fellowship is the highest professional honour awarded by Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC), recognizing certified NSWOCs who have demonstrated exceptional and sustained leadership, innovation, and contributions to clinical practice, education, research, and policy. Fellows earn the FNSWOC designation , a mark of distinction that reflects expertise, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to advancing wound, ostomy, and continence nursing. The program was established to celebrate excellence while strengthening the specialty and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based, patient-centred care. Fellows represent a distinguished network of leaders whose work has influenced wound, ostomy, and continence care locally, nationally, and internationally. Through mentorship, advocacy, scholarship, and participation in NSWOCC initiatives, Fellows help advance standards of practice and shape the future of the specialty in Canada. Why nominate a Fellow? The Fellowship recognizes individuals whose contributions have made a meaningful and measurable impact on the profession and on patient care. Fellows earn the FNSWOC designation, a mark of distinction that reflects expertise, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to advancing wound, ostomy, and continence nursing. About the Fellowship The program is designed not only to recognize excellence, but to cultivate a community of leaders who mentor others, support NSWOCC initiatives, contribute to research and policy, and advocate for quality improvement across healthcare systems. Fellows play an ongoing role in strengthening the specialty and supporting the next generation of NSWOCs. Submit a Nomination Nominate a deserving colleague and help celebrate the leaders advancing wound, ostomy, and continence nursing across Canada. Complete the nomination process and submit all required materials by March 15, 2026. Eligibility Must be a current NSWOCC Member Certified in wound, ostomy and continence WOCC(C) through the Canadian Nurses Association Minimum of 10 years of clinical practice, leadership, education, and/or research in the specialty Selection Criteria Nominees must demonstrate: Significant professional and leadership contributions in clinical practice, policy, education, research, and/or administration Evidence of meaningful impact and translation into practice or systems change Formal recognition of achievements Leadership that has advanced wound, ostomy, and continence nursing at local, provincial, national, or international levels The inaugural NSWOCC Fellows were honoured at the NSWOCC 44th National Conference in Montreal, QC in May 2025.