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On behalf of The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO): The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) are proud and delighted to announce the publication of the Best Practice Guideline (BPG) Diabetic foot ulcers: Prevention, assessment and management, Third edition. The purpose of this BPG is to provide nurses and members of the interprofessional team, persons at risk of or living with a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) and their care partners with evidence-based recommendations on the prevention, assessment and management of DFUs. This publication supports the excellence in service that health providers are committed to delivering every day. RNAO is delighted to provide this key resource. To access and download the publication, visit the link below!

On Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) reaffirms its commitment to enhancing skin health and preventing all wounds including pressure injuries in post-acute care settings, including long-term care, community, and primary care. To demonstrate this dedication, and to recognize the role that Personal Support Workers, Healthcare Assistants, and Caregivers play in pressure injury prevention, NSWOCC is proud to offer 200 free registrations to the Personal Support Worker (PSW) and Caregiver Skin Health Course. This will be done on a first come first served basis. This initiative aims to support skin health and wound prevention for our most vulnerable populations. We invite you to take advantage of this free education, and/or to share this message with your peers and colleagues who may be interested in taking advantage of the education themselves. The course is made for Personal Support Workers (PSW), Healthcare Assistants, and Caregivers who are dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by patients dealing with MASD, skin tears, and pressure injuries . Learn more about the course at https://www.wocinstitute.ca/psw . To access your free education registration, please complete the form below: https://www.nswoc.ca/psw-course-registration-form . To qualify, the applicant must: Be a Personal Support Worker (PSW), Healthcare Assistant, or Family Caregiver Work in post-acute care (long-term Care, community, complex continuing care, etc.) and/or reside anywhere in Canada NSWOCC thanks you for your dedication to improved patient outcomes!

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is proud to join the worldwide movement to stop pressure injuries by marking Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day  on November 21, 2024 . This global initiative emphasizes the importance of public awareness and education in preventing pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, which affect millions each year and significantly impact patient quality of life. In collaboration with the Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (CPIAP) , an Official Interest Group of NSWOCC, we invite healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public to participate online in the Canadian Pressure Injury Summit : “A Nation Under Pressure” . Taking place on Monday, November 18, 2024 , from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET , this free event will bring together federal and provincial decision-makers, healthcare leaders, and interdisciplinary experts to discuss actionable solutions for Canada’s growing pressure injury concerns. It’s important to acknowledge the essential role of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOCs)  and Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWANs)  in preventing and managing pressure injuries. NSWOC and SWAN Expertise in Pressure Injury Prevention: NSWOCs and SWANs are uniquely equipped to make a profound impact on pressure injury care: NSWOC Role : With their specialized training, NSWOCs provide high-quality, evidence-based care that reduces hospital-acquired conditions and supports better patient outcomes, shorter hospital stays, and lower healthcare costs. Their expertise is vital in advocating for and delivering personalized care, which is a crucial factor in preventing and managing pressure injuries across all healthcare settings. For more information about the NSWOC Power of 3, visit www.nswoc.ca/powerof3 SWAN Role : Under the direction of an NSWOC, SWANs deliver individualized patient education on preventing pressure injuries, skin tears, diabetic foot ulcers, and wound management. They assess patients’ pressure injury risk and develop personalized care plans based on patient history, wound classification, and risk factors such as mobility, positioning, and previous skin breakdown. For more information about the SWAN role, visit https://www.wocinstitute.ca/swan-links . Together, we aim to improve healthcare & patient outcomes and alleviate the cost burdens associated with pressure injuries, ensuring quality, sustainable care across Canada. As the prevalence of pressure injuries remains at a concerningly high in Canadian healthcare settings, this Summit aims to rally nationwide support and identify strategies to reduce the occurrence of preventable injuries. Register for the Summit at https://www.cpiap.com/summit  and join us as we work together to STOP Pressure Injuries. For more information, visit www.nswoc.ca  or contact office@nswoc.ca .

Job Posting: Part-time Contract Positions: Academic Advisors – NSWOC Program and SWAN Program The Wound Ostomy Continence Institute is seeking part-time, contracted Academic Advisors for the Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOC) Program and the Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Program. These positions offer an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in nurse education and professional development. Position Details: Academic Advisors for the NSWOC Program & SWAN Program Position Type: Part-time, Contract Application Deadline: November 10, 2024 About the Role: We are seeking experienced Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOCs) with a passion for adult education and student mentorship in an online, paced learning environment. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of recent clinical NSWOC nursing experience, with preference given to those holding a Master’s degree and WOCC(C) certification. Responsibilities: NSWOC Program Academic Advisors: Student Interaction: Engage with students in an online environment to support their learning journey. Course Involvement: Mark assignments and participate in discussion forums. Cohort Management: Oversee progress for up to 25 students per cohort, participating in two cohorts per year (schedule based on course assignment). SWAN Program Academic Advisors: Student Interaction: Provide guidance and support to RPNs/LPNs and Diploma Nurses. Course Involvement: Monitor student progress and offer feedback. Cohort Management: Work with up to 25 students per cohort, with intakes in September and January. Why apply? This position offers a unique chance to be part of an esteemed academic team, providing essential mentorship and shaping the future of NSWOC and SWAN practitioners in Canada. Application Process: To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter by November 10, 2024, to office@nswoc.ca . For more information, contact: Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc, Chair of the Wound Ostomy Continence InstituteEmail: chair@wocinstitute.ca Phone: 613-864-1029 We look forward to welcoming dedicated professionals to our team and continuing to advance nursing education in Canada.

We are happy to share that the Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for the Topical Management of Malignant Cutaneous Wounds developed by Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada in partnership with Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association (CPCNA) is now available in both English and French!    Malignant cutaneous wounds pose unique challenges in patient care, requiring specialized attention to alleviate local symptoms and enhance the overall quality of life. As the prevalence of these wounds continues to rise with improving cancer survival rates, it becomes imperative to establish comprehensive best practice recommendations for their topical management.     This project aimed to synthesize current evidence, expert insights, and patient-centred perspectives to provide a robust framework for health care professionals (HCPs) caring for individuals with malignant cutaneous wounds.  We encourage all NSWOCC Members to download and share these Canadian best practice recommendations with your colleagues.    We would also like to thank technical writer and project manager John Gregory, IIWCC, ISWA, Opencity Inc., who edited and produced these best practice recommendations in collaboration with a task force of volunteers.    The translation of this document to French could not have been possible without the help of this task force and especially the help of Valérie Chaplain.     Sincerely,    Debra Johnston, MN, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C)  NSWOCC Core Program Professional Development lead and Malignant Cutaneous Wounds Best Practice Recommendations Project Lead

We are excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for you to join the NSWOCC Membership Core Program as the Newsletter Lead. This volunteer role is a unique chance to contribute to the growth of our community and shape how we communicate with over 1,100 members, including NSWOCs, SWANs, and allied healthcare professionals.  Call for Newsletter Lead  Role Overview: The NSWOCC Membership Core Program is seeking a dedicated volunteer to take on the role of Newsletter Lead. As the Newsletter Lead, your primary responsibilities will include:  Coordinating Content: Helping to solicit and organize content submissions for each section of the newsletter.  Idea Generation : Contributing ideas to enhance and improve the newsletter’s content and structure.  Editing and Writing: Editing content with support from the NSWOCC Director of Operations and the Membership Core Program Leader. If you are bilingual, you may also draft copy in both English and French for certain sections, such as clinical tips or interviews.  Collaboration: Working with the NSWOCC Director of Operations & Executive Assistant to develop newsletter sections, which could include clinical pearls, program updates, and member highlights.  Meetings: Participating in monthly Membership Core Program meetings (except July, August, and December) to contribute to overall core program initiatives.  Member Recognition: Managing form submissions to highlight the achievements of NSWOCs and SWANs.  Interviews: Assisting with video or written interviews of NSWOCC Members and leaders.  Ideal Candidate: We are looking for someone with a keen interest in wound, ostomy, and continence education, a passion for building a community of dedicated nurses, and a desire to give back to NSWOCC. The ideal candidate should also have a positive attitude and strong written communication skills.  Priority will be given to bilingual candidates (English and French). Experience with email marketing tools like Mailchimp or design tools like Adobe InDesign is an asset but not required. NSWOCC will provide support for the technical aspects of building the newsletter.  Time commitment:    Approximately 2 hours per month.  Up to 5 hours per month during newsletter publication months (February, April, September, and November).  How to Apply If you’re interested in becoming the Newsletter Lead, please email Shelly Barnes, Membership Core Program Leader, at sbarnes@wocinstitute.ca . Include a brief description of why you're interested in the role, along with any relevant experience, skills, or interests that make you a great fit for the position.  About the Newsletter NSWOCC distributes an e-newsletter called "The Integrity / L’Intègre" to over 1,100 members, including NSWOCs, SWANs, and allied healthcare professionals, four times a year (February, April, September, and November). The newsletter aims to keep members informed about relevant news in the fields of wound, ostomy, and continence care and to build a strong community of practice.  Newsletter Sections:  Introduction  Recognizing NSWOCs and SWANs  Self-Care Corner  Clinical Pearl  Core Program Corner  NSWOCC Association News  WOC Institute Program News  Upcoming Events  Industry News  About the Membership Core Program The Membership Core Program is one of NSWOCC’s newest initiatives, bringing together NSWOCs and SWANs to discuss membership benefits and experiences, and to drive positive change within the association.  Key Priorities:  Continuing Education:  Advance NSWOC knowledge and proficiency.  Support the National Office and other Core Programs in offering continuing education opportunities.  Communication & Awareness:  Increase direct communication from the Board of Directors to members.  Provide updates on association and Core Program activities and initiatives. Networking and Collaboration:  Meet the networking and collaboration needs of NSWOCC members across Canada.  Mentorship:  Accommodate members from all time zones.  We look forward to welcoming a new member to our team and continuing to build a strong, engaged community within NSWOCC.

On October 2, 2024, we commemorated World Ostomy Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness, challenging stigmas, and celebrating the resilience of people living with ostomies. This year, the observance was made even more special as the Hon. Wanda Thomas Bernard, a Senator from Nova Scotia, delivered a poignant speech in the Senate of Canada, shining a national spotlight on the importance of ostomy care and the invaluable work of the Ostomy Canada Society. Honouring People Living With an Ostomy Across Canada In her Senate address on October 3, Senator Bernard paid tribute to the approximately 150,000 Canadians living with ostomies, highlighting their courage and determination in facing the unique challenges that come with this life-saving procedure. Despite the fact that an ostomy is a crucial intervention, it often remains shrouded in silence due to the lingering stigma. Senator Bernard’s powerful words served to break through that silence, encouraging greater public understanding and compassion.   Senator Bernard shared a deeply personal connection to the ostomy community. Her husband, George, has lived with an ostomy for 17 years, a life transition that was made easier through the support and guidance of Ostomy Halifax, a local Chapter of Ostomy Canada Society. Ostomy Halifax has been offering education, awareness, and community support for over 50 years, helping people living with an ostomy like George live life to the fullest. Senator Bernard’s story emphasized the transformative role that organizations like Ostomy Canada Society play in empowering individuals through community, education, and advocacy.   Step Up for Ostomy: Breaking Stigmas Nationwide In line with this year’s theme, "Living Life to the Fullest," Ostomy Canada Society celebrated World Ostomy Day with its annual awareness event, Step Up for Ostomy . This initiative encourages Canadians to engage in activities that honour the strength and resilience of those living with ostomies. Senator Bernard, boldly and proudly stepping up in the Senate to raise awareness, exemplified the spirit of the day and underscored the ongoing need to break down the barriers and stigmas surrounding ostomy care. NSWOCC is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of Step Up for Ostomy.   You can still donate to the Step Up for Ostomy campaign online at https://stepupforostomy.ca/ .   The Power of Partnerships: Ostomy Canada Society and NSWOCC Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is proud to partner with Ostomy Canada Society in advocating for better ostomy care, furthering education, and expanding awareness across the country. As a registered charity representing over 600 specialized nurses dealing with wound, ostomy and continence care, NSWOCC plays a vital role in advancing education, research, and advocacy related to wound, ostomy, and continence care. Through our partnership with Ostomy Canada Society, we work collaboratively to support initiatives that enhance the quality of life for people living with an ostomy.   One of the key areas of collaboration is our Ostomy Canada Society and NSWOCC Joint Advocacy Committee projects, which focus on expanding access to resources and funding such as the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), which is a non-refundable tax credit used to reduce the amount of tax payable the income for people living with ostomies. Individuals with a permanent ostomy or a temporary one lasting at least 12 months may qualify for this credit, which helps offset ostomy-related expenses. Together, NSWOCC and Ostomy Canada Society work to ensure that more Canadians are aware of and can benefit from such programs.   Additionally, NSWOCC and Ostomy Canada Society frequently join forces for advocacy summits, aimed at sharing best practices, improving patient experience, and increasing access to—and capacity for—high quality wound, ostomy and continence care in each Province and Territory. Recent advocacy summits in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Alberta, and Ontario have brought together healthcare professionals and policymakers to address these crucial issues, with more summits planned for the future. You can learn more about these summits online and access the meeting proceedings:   1.     Nova Scotia Summit: https://www.nswoc.ca/ns-summit 2.     New Brunswick Summit: https://www.nswoc.ca/nb-summit 3.     Alberta Summit: https://www.nswoc.ca/ab-summit 4.     Ontario Summit: https://www.nswoc.ca/ontario-summit   Continuing the Mission NSWOCC is committed to continuing our advocacy work alongside Ostomy Canada Society, and we invite everyone to join us in supporting this vital cause. We are jointly focused on influencing legislative policies and governmental support that affect wound, ostomy, and continence care, aiming to improve outcomes for patients nationwide.   This World Ostomy Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to thank those living with an ostomy in their lives, the healthcare professionals who support them, and organizations like Ostomy Canada Society, which works tirelessly to uplift this community. Together, we can create an environment of understanding, reduce stigma, and celebrate the strength of those living with an ostomy.   For more information on how you can get involved with Ostomy Canada Society, please visit their website . You can also watch the full video of Senator Bernard’s inspiring speech here .   Support Ostomy Canada Society If you’d like to contribute to the efforts of Ostomy Canada Society, donations can be made to support initiatives such as: Advocacy for the Disability Tax Credit and ostomy reimbursement programs The national Visitors Program Awareness events like Step Up for Ostomy The Youth Camp for young people living with an ostomy Educational awards and scholarships And many more.   Learn more about how to donate and the impact your contribution can make by visiting the Ostomy Canada Society Donation Page , or contribute to their Step Up for Ostomy campaign at https://stepupforostomy.ca/ .   Together, we can ensure that everyone living with an ostomy has the support and resources they need to live life to the fullest.

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from NSWOCs from our community! A new paper has just been published, shedding light on the complex and challenging condition of peripheral artery disease, with a special focus on chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and the associated pain management in elderly patients. The paper, titled "Management of Pain in People Living With Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia: An Umbrella Review", delves into the multifaceted nature of peripheral artery disease and the chronic ischemic pain that often accompanies CLTI. The authors highlight the urgent need for accessible, effective, and safe strategies to manage this debilitating condition and present a rigorous review of existing literature to inform best practices for interdisciplinary care. Abstract: Peripheral artery disease is a complex health condition. It is associated with atherosclerotic occlusive lesions in the arteries limiting normal blood flow, mostly involving the lower extremities, leading to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Chronic unrelenting ischemic leg pain can be debilitating and distressing, contributing to poor health-related quality of life. Comprehensive management of pain associated with CLTI requires multimodal approaches that draw on a range of strategies and specialist treatments delivered by an interdisciplinary team across various health care settings. We recognized a significant gap in evidence-based strategies that are accessible, appropriate, acceptable, effective, and safe for the elderly with CLTI- associated pain. We therefore conducted an umbrella review or overview of multiple existing reviews that employ a rigorous and transparent method to comprehensively identify and synthesize relevant literature including systematic, scoping, and narrative reviews. The purpose of this umbrella review was to aggregate and compare various management options to inform best practices and quality indicators for the management of ischemic pain in older patients with peripheral artery disease. Authors: Kevin Woo, PhD, RN, NSWOC(C), WOCC(C), Queen’s University, University Health Network, Kingston, Ontario. Christine Murphy, PhD, RN, NSWOC(C), WOCC(C), The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario. Emily Gregg, MSc, RN, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario. Joshua Moralejo, MScCH, RN, NSWOC(C), WOCC(C), University Health Network, Kingston, Ontario. Kimberly LeBlanc, PhD, RN, NSWOC(C), WOCC(C), Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC), Ottawa, Ontario. Tim Brandys, MD, MEd, FRCSC, FACS, The Ottawa Hospital,Ottawa, Ontario. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the authors on this important contribution to the field and encourage all of you to check out this insightful and valuable work. Download the paper below!

Wound, ostomy, and continence education will reach new heights through an innovative global congress coming to Canada, focusing on improving care in these fields. The World Council of Enterostomal Therapists® (WCET®) and Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) are pleased to announce a partnership to bring the joint WCET® - NSWOCC® Congress, scheduled for April 24-28, 2026, to beautiful Vancouver, Canada. The congress will take place at the Vancouver Convention Center. This joint WCET® - NSWOCC® Congress offers a unique opportunity for nurses and industry partners from across the globe to come together, learn from one another, and engage with WCET®, NSWOCC®, and their partners. The theme of the congress is “In It Together: Moving Mountains to Create a World of Better Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care.” “We are excited to partner with NSWOCC® to bring our global nurses together to share best practices through education and research. NSWOCC® is aligned with our vision to achieve this,” said WCET® President Laurent Chabal. NSWOCC® CEO Cathy Harley added, “We are thrilled to join forces with WCET® to develop an innovative congress that will provide a unique educational experience for both Canadian nurses and nurses around the world who provide care for wound, ostomy and continence patients.” This exciting partnership was announced at the recent WCET® - ASCN Joint Congress in Glasgow, Scotland, where Canadian NSWOCC® Members were present to celebrate the good news. For further information on this joint WCET® - NSWOCC® Congress, please email office@nswoc.ca . More about WCET® The World Council of Enterostomal Therapists® (WCET®) was inaugurated in 1978 in response to advances in nursing, medicine and surgery. This ultimately led to the creation of a new nursing specialty called Enterostomal Therapy Nursing (ETN). This specialty has evolved over the past 46 years to become a major component in the management of ostomy, wound and continence care. The WCET® provides an international forum for Enterostomal Therapy Nurses and a global vehicle for discussion, education, communication, research, advice and support in the field of Enterostomal Therapy Nursing. The WCET® is focused on leading the global advancement of specialized professional ostomy, wound and continence nursing care, with the aim of ensuring that individuals living with stomas, wounds, and/or continence needs can refer to a nurse/healthcare professional with specialised up to date knowledge and skills, and that nurses worldwide have access to specialised education in our tri specialty. The WCET® is proud to be a supporter and instigator of Enterostomal Therapy Nursing globally and will continue to support both developed and emerging countries. The WCET® is a UK registered Charity and non-profitable organisation, with a membership spanning more than 69 countries at present. They publish a quarterly scientific peer reviewed Journal professionally translated into four languages other than English (Chinese, French, Portuguese and Spanish), and produce many other educational resources. For further information: https://wcetn.org More about NSWOCC® For forty-four years, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada® (NSWOCC®) has been a registered charity for over 600 nurses specialized in the nursing care of patients with challenges in wound, ostomy and continence and over 1,100 total Members and Associates. NSWOCC® acts in the public interest for Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs) to give national leadership in wound, ostomy and continence promoting high standards for NSWOC practice, education, research and administration to achieve quality specialized nursing care. NSWOCC® speaks for NSWOCs and gives them a strong national association through which they can support each other and speak with a powerful, unified voice. NSWOCC® is working towards taking an active role in legislative policy which could influence the health care decisions that affect NSWOC professionals every day. For further information: https://www.nswoc.ca/about

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is honoured to have attended the Association of Stoma Care Nurses (ASCN UK) - World Council of Enterostomal Therapists (WCET ® ) Joint Congress in Glasgow, Scotland, held from September 28 to October 1, 2024, at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Hosted in c ollaboration with ASCN UK, the congress centred around the theme: “Weaving Culture & Expertise to Offer the Best Patient Care.” The event provided a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to explore innovative approaches to stoma, wound, and continence management, helping to further enhance patient care. It also enabled attendees to connect with some of the most influential global leaders advancing practice in these fields. On Saturday, September 28, 2024, Kim LeBlanc, WOC Institute Academic Chair, and Cathy Harley, NSWOCC Chief Executive Officer, actively participated in the WCET® Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Education Programs, chaired by Julie Weng from China. Kim and Cathy also held valuable discussions with directors of wound, ostomy, and continence programs from around the world. “It was an honour to represent Canadian nurses specialized in wound, ostomy, and continence care at such a prestigious event,” Cathy Harley shared. NSWOCC’s presence at the event was further highlighted by Carly Lindsay, RN, BNSc, MClSc-WH, NSWOC, WOCC(C), an NSWOC from Kingston Health Sciences Centre in Kingston, Ontario, who proudly carried the Canadian flag during the WCET® parade of nations, officially opening the congress. Carly Lindsay was the International Canadian delegate at the Congress. Canadian representation also included NSWOCs Louise Samuel, RN, BScN, ETN, Rosemary Hill, RN, BSN, CWOCN, WOCC(C), Lauren Wolfe, RN, BSN, MClSc-WH, NSWOC, CWOCN, Eleanore Howard, RN, BEd, BN, MSN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), Anna Tumchewics, RN, BScN, DipOPN, ET, and Candace Gubbels, MN, NP(F), NSWOC, WOCC(C). They were accompanied b y Dr. R. Gary Sibbald, MD., M.Ed., D.SC (Hon), FRCPC (Med)(Derm), FAAD, MAPWCA, JM and John Gregory, ISWA, President of Opencity Inc. pictured together with the Canadian flag in the gallery below. In the gallery below, you can see some great snapshots of the event, including a memorable moment featuring Louise Samuel and Carly Lindsay alongside Australian stoma nurses Christine Blake and Brenda Christiansen. Be sure to check out the inspiring images of our Canadian delegation at the ASCN - WCET® Joint Congress! In addition, we were thrilled to be able to officially announce at the close of the congress that WCET will be hosting the next biennial congress jointly with NSWOCC at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia from April 24-28, 2026. For further information on this joint WCET ® - NSWOCC ® Congress, please e-mail office@nswoc.ca .

On Monday, November 18, 2024 from 8AM to 4PM ET, we invite you to attend the “A Nation Under Pressure” Canadian Pressure Injury Summit! Join provincial and federal leaders, healthcare administrators, and interprofessional experts to improve pressure injury (PI) prevention and management across Canada. Attendees will attend presentations & engage incrucial conversations identifying gaps in national PI care and will discuss solutions in alignment with the Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (CPIAP) Strategic Plan. CPIAP is the Pan-Canadian Interprofessional Approach to Address the Prevention and Management of Pressure Injuries. CPIAP is an Official Interest Group of NSWOCC. Both in-person & live streamed online, this event will provide a unique platform to learn, provide input, and collaborate for impactful change. This Summit, held in partnership with the Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (CPIAP) , University Health Network (UHN) and Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) , aligns with Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day, which takes place November 21, 2024,  aimed at raising awareness about pressure injury prevention through crucial conversations. By attending, you'll contribute to a nationwide effort to improve patient outcomes and shape the future of pressure injury prevention and management. We believe that you can make a significant contribution to the discussion around PI prevention and management in every province and territory across Canada. Your expertise, role and perspective will be invaluable in this discussion. Please save the date and plan to join the nationwide effort to improve patient outcomes and shape the future of PI prevention and management. Program

On September 30, we pause to reflect on the painful legacy of Canada’s residential school system as we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This solemn day honours the children who never returned home, the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and the communities that have been deeply affected. It is a time to remember, to learn, and to commit to reconciliation. This day also coincides with Orange Shirt Day , an Indigenous-led grassroots movement that symbolizes the loss of culture and freedom that Indigenous children endured over generations. The orange shirt represents the stripping away of Indigenous identity and the deep impact of colonialism on Indigenous families and communities. The message behind Orange Shirt Day is clear: “Every Child Matters.” As healthcare professionals and Canadians, we carry the responsibility of not only recognizing this day but also taking action to support reconciliation. Awareness is the first step, but it must be followed by meaningful engagement and learning. In addition to wearing an orange shirt on this important day, we also encourage all NSWOCC members to deepen their understanding of Indigenous histories and perspectives by enrolling in the free online Indigenous Canada Course offered by the University of Alberta. Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the  Faculty of Native Studies  that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. It is an opportunity to enhance knowledge and contribute to reconciliation through education. For those wishing to receive a certificate upon completion, these are also available for purchase. This September 30 and beyond, let us honour the voices of Indigenous communities and ensure that their stories are not forgotten.