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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.

Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations Each February, people across Canada come together to mark Black History Month —a time to honour the legacy, achievements, and ongoing contributions of Black communities who have helped shape this country. The Government of Canada  has announced the 2026 theme for Black History Month: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” This milestone theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada by recognizing the enduring impact of Black Canadians across time. It honours nation builders—those who advanced civil rights, strengthened social justice, and shaped Canada’s cultural and political landscape—while also uplifting tomorrow’s visionaries: emerging leaders, innovators, and changemakers redefining excellence across every field. By centring Black Brilliance Across Generations , the theme highlights continuity, resilience, and progress. It invites reflection on historical achievements while inspiring future possibilities, reinforcing that Black history is not only about the past, but about shaping Canada’s future. This intergenerational lens strengthens community pride and aligns with broader goals of equity, inclusion, and collective responsibility. Our Commitment at Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada As February marks Black History Month, it is also a time to reflect on ongoing challenges, including systemic barriers and discrimination that continue to impact Black communities—particularly within healthcare systems. NSWOCC proudly acknowledges the pivotal role of Black nurses in shaping Canada’s nursing profession. In past years, we have highlighted trailblazers such as Dr. Carrie M. Best, Bernise Redmon, and Clotilda Adessa Yakimchuk, whose leadership and advocacy paved the way for future generations. This year, guided by the theme Black Brilliance Across Generations , our Membership Core Program is delighted to highlight the story of Gloria Baylis: A Trailblazer in Canadian Healthcare and Civil Rights: Honouring Gloria Baylis: A Trailblazer in Canadian Healthcare and Civil Rights By Laura Patterson, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), CCHN(C) Gloria Leon Baylis (née Clarke) was a pioneering figure in Canadian healthcare and civil rights. Born June 29, 1929, in Barbados, she migrated to Montreal in 1952 after training in England to become a nurse. Baylis worked at several Montreal hospitals, including the Montreal General Hospital and Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal, where she served as an operating room supervisor. Her dedication to patient care and professional excellence laid the groundwork for her future endeavors. In 1964, Baylis became the central figure in Canada’s first successful employment-related racial discrimination case. After being denied a nursing position at Montreal’s Queen Elizabeth Hotel one day after Quebec’s anti-discrimination law came into effect, she filed a complaint under the new legislation. The court ruled in her favour in 1965, and after an 11-year legal battle, the decision was upheld in 1977. Although the employer was only fined $25, the ruling marked a significant milestone in Canadian human rights history, as it represented the first conviction of racial discrimination in employment in the country. Beyond her legal victory, Baylis made significant contributions to healthcare innovation. In 1986, she founded Baylis Medical Company, initially importing medical devices to Canada. Under her leadership, the company evolved into a leading developer of innovative medical technologies, particularly in cardiology and pain management. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to improving patient care have left an indelible mark on the medical field. In 1999, Baylis also received the Jackie Robinson Award for Business Person of the Year. In this moving reflection, Gloria Baylis’s son, Frank Baylis, former Member of Parliament and Executive Chairman of the Board of Baylis Medical Company, recounts the resilience and determination that drove her to challenge racial discrimination and leave a legacy that continues to shape safer, more equitable workplaces for generations to come: References: Flynn, K. (2023, May 12). Gloria Baylis. The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/gloria-baylis https://www.cbc.ca/arts/breaking-barriers-gloria-baylis-play-1.7449242 Advancing Equity in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care Recognizing the persistent underrepresentation of Black nurses in healthcare—and the need for greater research and education related to wound, ostomy, and continence care for Black and dark-skinned individuals—NSWOCC is proud to support impactful education at the upcoming WCET®–NSWOCC® 2026 Joint Congress. This includes the session “Persons with dark skin tones: implications in skin and wound care,”  presented by: Elizabeth A. Ayello  (USA) Emmy Nokaneng  (South Africa) We are grateful to each presenter for sharing their expertise and helping advance inclusive, evidence-informed practice. Explore the full Congress program at: https://www.wcet-nswocc2026.com/program Learning, Reflection, and Action We invite you to join us in honouring Black History Month  this February—by learning more about Black Canadian communities, reflecting on the past 30 years of progress, and supporting the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of healthcare. Together, let’s continue this journey of education and action—not just this month, but as we work toward a more inclusive, equitable, and responsive healthcare environment for all. For more information about Black History Month in Canada, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html

WOC Institute Launches New Pharmacist Wound, Ostomy and Continence Course to Strengthen Interprofessional, Patient-Centred Care February 2, 2026 — The Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOC) Institute is pleased to announce the launch of its new Pharmacist Wound, Ostomy and Continence Course , a comprehensive, interactive, online course designed specifically for Canadian pharmacists seeking to expand their clinical knowledge and enhance patient care across practice settings. Developed by Canadian Nurses Association (CNA)-certified Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs®), in collaboration with pharmacists and physicians, this state-of-the-art course provides evidence-informed foundational education in wound care, ostomy management, continence care, and skin health. The course equips pharmacists with the knowledge and practical skills needed to confidently support individuals living with wound, ostomy, and continence concerns, while strengthening collaboration within the interprofessional healthcare team. “The Pharmacist Wound, Ostomy and Continence Course reflects the WOC Institute’s commitment to advancing interprofessional education and improving patient outcomes. Pharmacists play a critical role in patient education, product selection, and medication management, and this course supports them in delivering holistic, person-centred care.” About the Course The Pharmacist Wound, Ostomy and Continence Course is a 20-week, self-paced, interactive online program  aligned with the Canadian Standards of Practice and Professional Competencies for pharmacists. Learners can expect to spend approximately 4–5 hours per week  engaging with course content. The course includes: Four structured sections: Review, Skin & Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Interactive workbooks and online learning resources Integrated knowledge checks within each module Weekly mentorship hours with a CNA-certified NSWOC® Interactive online discussion boards A final online quiz Automatic issuance of a certificate of completion Learning Outcomes Upon completion, pharmacists will be prepared to: Apply foundational principles of wound healing and skin health in pharmacy practice Differentiate common wound types and recommend appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management strategies Identify ostomy-related complications, recommend product selection, and support individuals living with an ostomy Apply continence management principles to promote and protect skin health Integrate wound, ostomy, and continence considerations into medication reviews and patient assessments Deliver clear, compassionate education to individuals, caregivers, pharmacy teams, and support staff Collaborate effectively with NSWOCs® and the broader healthcare team to improve patient outcomes Flexible Registration and Access Registration is completed through the Dual Code platform, allowing pharmacists to enroll individually, register multiple staff at a group rate, or purchase a site license for organizational access. Once registered, learners can begin the course immediately and progress at their own pace. Registration Cost $950  – Individual course fee 10% discount  – Available for groups of more than 10 users $50,000  – Site license for up to 1,000 users Registration Now Open Canadian pharmacists interested in advancing their professional practice and strengthening their contributions to wound, ostomy, and continence care are encouraged to register now. For more information or to register, visit https://www.wocinstitute.ca/pharmacist . For questions, contact: Toll Free: 1-877-614-1262 administration@wocinstitute.ca Help us share the news! Share this flyer with pharmacists in your network.

NSWOCC was pleased to host a successful  Ontario Local Meeting and Education Day  on  Wednesday, January 21, 2026 , in  Sudbury, Ontario , bringing Members together for an evening of education, collaboration, and connection. Hosted in partnership with  Urgo Medical Canada , the in-person event took place at Verdiccio Ristorante and welcomed NSWOCC Members from the region for a dynamic and engaging program. The evening began with registration and networking, followed by a team-building exercise and organizational updates led by  Joshua Moralejo , MScCH:WPC, RN, BScN, NSWOC,WOCC(C), IIWCC, NSWOCC Ontario Regional Director , and  Josée Sénéchal , MScCH-WC, BScN, RN, NSWOC. This session provided an opportunity for Members to connect with colleagues, share insights, and raise questions and challenges to the NSWOCC Board, reinforcing the value of local engagement and open dialogue. The educational component of the evening featured the presentation  “Clean to Heal: Rethinking Wound Cleansing in Canada,”  delivered by  Josée Sénéchal . The session focused on the latest IWII guidelines for therapeutic wound cleansing, examined current gaps in Canadian practice, compared cleansing solutions and techniques, and highlighted how evidence-based approaches can be integrated into everyday patient care. The Sudbury meeting is part of NSWOCC’s ongoing series of Local Ontario meetings, designed to create accessible, in-person opportunities for Members across the province to connect, learn, and engage. Similar meetings were held in Ontario in the fall, reinforcing NSWOCC’s commitment to reaching members beyond a single location and fostering meaningful connections at the local and regional level. A sincere thank you to our NSWOC educators, our dedicated industry partners, and Urgo Medical for making these free educational opportunities possible. NSWOCC looks forward to continuing this momentum and remains committed to hosting additional local and regional Ontario meetings in the future, ensuring Members across the province have opportunities to engage, share, and learn together. Save the Date Join us for a virtual Ontario Regional Meeting on Wednesday, April 15 from 7-8pm EST on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ax1rpGFkR8WtCqBWvfX1HA . This regional meeting will be open to all NSWOCC Members across Ontario and will cover key updates, learnings, and feedback from the recent local meetings, ensuring Members are kept informed even if they weren’t able to attend a previous local meeting.

We are officially 100 days away from the WCET®-NSWOCC® Joint Congress! Join us in Vancouver, British Columbia from Friday, April 24 to Tuesday, April 28, 2026  at the Vancouver Convention Centre . Join colleagues from around the world for five days of education, collaboration, and innovation in wound, ostomy, and continence care. Early Bird Pricing Ends January 15th, 2026! Attendees can expect a dynamic and enriching conference experience featuring cutting-edge scientific and clinical sessions led by global leaders in wound, ostomy, and continence care. The program includes hands-on workshops and interactive learning opportunities, meaningful networking with peers, thought leaders, and industry partners, and access to the latest research, products, and technologies shaping the field. Secure your spot now and save with discounted rates. NSWOCC members receive $90 off a full conference ticket. Congress Workshops Download the program here  to view workshops. Please note: The Advanced Wound Debridement Workshop on Tuesday, April 28 is now full and a waitlist has been opened. Please note: Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Adding a workshop to your registration is the only way to be placed on the official attendance list. If you have already registered and want to add another workshop, please email administration@nswoc.ca . Education Program Check out the updated program  - It has been updated to include 55 oral abstracts from both Canadian and international presenters, covering the three domains of Wound, Ostomy and Continence. We will also have an extensive poster library with over 300 poster abstracts accepted from authors all around the world! Are you an advanced healthcare professional interested in Dermatology? The skin is the largest organ in the body. Dermatological disorders account for at least 20% of patient complaints in family practices.   We are running a special program, parallel to the WCET-NSWOCC Joint Congress, which has a separate registration and will highlight common diagnosis and treatments in the field of dermatology. ​ Day 1: Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 14:00 to 17:30 Day 2: Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 8:00 to 12:00 Save $35  on the registration fee if you are a NSWOCC or WCET Member. Congress Hotels Make the most of your Congress experience by staying at one of our official hotels. Our headquarters hotel , the Pan Pacific Vancouver  is officially sold out  of rooms for the conference. However, we’ve secured discounted room blocks at the Fairmont Waterfront , Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront , and Fairmont Hotel Vancouver . So don’t delay in booking your accommodation. Tip:  Consider sharing a room with a colleague to enhance the experience and lower travel costs. For questions or additional information, please contact office@nswoc.ca .

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is proud to announce an exciting new international partnership with the European Wound Management Association (EWMA). NSWOCC is honoured to be recognized as an EWMA International Partner, strengthening a shared commitment to advancing high-quality, interdisciplinary wound management worldwide. EWMA’s mission closely aligns with NSWOCC’s dedication to advancing wound, ostomy, and continence care through education, leadership, research, and evidence-based practice. As International Partner Organizations, NSWOCC and EWMA will collaborate on strategic priorities, including: Increasing awareness of wound healing and wound management issues Networking with organizations active in thematic areas related to wound care Supporting scientific cooperation and the exchange of conference presentations This partnership represents an important step in expanding global collaboration and knowledge exchange to support specialized skin and wound management in Canada and internationally. NSWOCC looks forward to welcoming EWMA’s President Professor Dr Dimtri Beeckman who will be participating during the upcoming WCET–NSWOCC Joint Congress, taking place April 24–28, 2026, in Vancouver, Canada. Learn more about the Joint Congress at https://www.wcet-nswocc2026.com/ .

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®), through its Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOC) Institute, is proud to partner with the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care on a groundbreaking initiative to expand wound, ostomy, and continence care expertise across Ontario’s long-term care homes. NSWOCC Chief Executive Officer Cathy Harley and WOC Institute Academic Chair Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc joined the Honourable Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care, for the announcement in Markham, Ontario. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, NSWOCC Chief Executive Officer Cathy Harley and WOC Institute Academic Chair Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc joined the Honourable Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care, for the announcement at Union Villa Long-Term Care in Markham, Ontario. This investment will enhance quality of life for residents by enabling faster, more convenient care while reducing emergency department visits and preventable hospitalizations. Expanding Clinical Capacity Across Ontario The Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care is funding enhanced training for 150 Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs)  through NSWOCC’s CNA-accredited Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) Program , as well as 600 Personal Support Workers (PSWs)  through NSWOCC’s CNA-accredited PSW and Caregiver Skin Health Education Course . This investment covers tuition and registration fees , as well as backfill support  for participating long-term care homes. Backfill funding will be administered through NSWOCC, ensuring staff can participate in training without compromising resident care. This initiative builds on previous provincial funding that supported 90 practical nurses and diploma-educated RNs to enroll in the SWAN Program earlier this year . Read the Government of Ontario announcement: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1006741/ontario-investing-37-million-to-expand-skin-and-wound-care-training-in-long-term-care-homes About the SWAN™ Program The CNA-accredited Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™)  Program provides advanced education in wound, ostomy, and continence care, preparing RPNs to become clinical leaders and wound, ostomy and continence champions within their workplaces. Program Features (5 months): 26 online modules Self-directed clinical preceptorship Ongoing mentorship with CNA-certified NSWOCs Bi-weekly interactive learning sessions The 150 funded participants will join a dedicated SWAN cohort  separate from the regular Winter 2026 intake to ensure focused academic and mentorship support. SWANs are nationally recognized for their advanced knowledge and their essential role in preventing wounds, managing complex cases, and improving patient outcomes. About the PSW and Caregiver Skin Health Course This CNA-accredited 12-week online course equips PSWs with foundational skills in skin, wound, ostomy, and continence care, empowering them to identify early signs of skin breakdown and escalate concerns promptly. Course Overview: Format: 100% online, self-paced Time Commitment: 4–5 hours/week Modules: 8 interactive modules + resources and workbooks Support: Weekly mentorship with a CNA-certified NSWOC Accreditation: 10 CNA educational hours "We applaud the Ontario government for this investment in enhancing the skin and wound care knowledge of registered practical nurses and personal support workers, which demonstrates their commitment to quality improvement and sustainability. Through this action, the government is demonstrating their respect for the health and dignity of seniors living in Ontario." Catherine Harley, CEO, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) How to Apply For Registered Practical Nurses – CNA-Accredited SWAN™ Program Application Form: https://www.wocinstitute.ca/swan Deadline:  January 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST Eligibility:  Practical nurses or diploma-educated RNs employed in Ontario long-term care homes For Personal Support Workers – CNA-Accredited PSW and Caregiver Skin Health Course Application Form: https://www.wocinstitute.ca/psw Deadline:  February 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST Eligibility:  Personal Support Workers employed in Ontario long-term care homes

We are pleased to share that the 2025-2026 Mid-Year Report is now available for NSWOCC Members to review. This report reflects the significant progress and collective achievements of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) during the second half of 2025. In keeping with our commitment to transparency, the Mid-Year Report highlights the work being undertaken by NSWOCC to support our Members, students, & associates, and advance the nursing tri-specialty of wound, ostomy, and continence care across Canada. Since our last Annual Members Meeting, NSWOCC has continued to experience strong momentum. Highlights from the reports included demonstrate meaningful growth in membership, education, professional development, research, bilingual accessibility, and national collaboration, all aligned with the priorities of the 2024–2027 Strategic Plan. These outcomes reflect the dedication of our members, volunteers, partners, and staff—and reinforce the essential role NSWOCs and SWANs play across Canada’s healthcare system. Importantly, these accomplishments are a direct result of our Members. Each of you—through leadership, participation, advocacy, education, and engagement—has played a role in strengthening NSWOCC. No matter how large or small, your contributions make this work possible. Download the Mid Year Report: Looking Ahead: The NSWOCC Board of Directors, Core Program leaders, and staff continue to implement the 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, with a focus on sustaining a vibrant, inclusive, and growing national association for Members at all stages of practice. We are grateful for your continued support as we shape the future of NSWOCC together. Thank you for being an integral part of the NSWOCC family. With best regards, Catherine Harley Chief Executive Officer Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada

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) is pleased to announce the release of the Canadian Best Practice Recommendations in Wound Care  for People Who Use Drugs: A Harm Reduction Approach. These Best Practice Recommendations (BPRs) are intended to support informed, evidence-based clinical decision-making and provide practical guidance for nurses, allied health professionals, and people who use drugs (PWUD). Grounded in harm reduction principles, the recommendations recognize wound  care as an essential point of engagement for prevention, treatment, and trust-building within healthcare settings. The Canadian Best Practice Recommendations in Wound Care for People Who Use Drugs: A Harm Reduction Approach are now available on the NSWOCC® Best Practice Recommendations webpage: https://nswoc.ca/bpr#wound-care-pwud This important work was developed through a collaborative partnership between NSWOCC®, the Harm Reduction Nurses Association (HRNA), and the  Ontario Network of People Who Use Drugs (ONPUD). Together, clinicians, researchers, and individuals with lived and living experience came together to co-create guidance that is both clinically rigorous and deeply informed by real-world experience. This model of collaboration—uniting national and provincial nursing organizations with people with lived experience—represents an exemplary approach to inclusive, person-centred knowledge development. The Best Practice Recommendations were developed by a national expert panel that included people with lived experience, who also contributed original artwork featured throughout the publication. NSWOCC® extends its sincere thanks to Dr. Leigh Chapman, PhD, RN, Chief Nursing Officer of Health Canada, for providing the foreword to this publication. We are also deeply grateful to John Gregory, IIWCC, ISWA (Opencity Inc.), Technical Writer and Project Manager, for his leadership in editing and producing these recommendations in close collaboration with the volunteer task force. NSWOCC® also extends heartfelt appreciation to all volunteers whose expertise, time, and commitment made this work possible. ______________________________________ Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is a registered charity of more than 1,500 Members and Associates , mainly nurses specialized in the nursing care of patients with challenges in wound, ostomy and continence. Website: nswoc.ca The Harm Reduction Nurses Association (HRNA) is a national organization dedicated to advancing harm reduction nursing through practice, education, research, and advocacy, and is a Specialty Interest Member of the Canadian Nurses Association’s Canadian Network of Nursing Specialties. Website: https://www.hrna-aiirm.ca The Ontario Network of People Who Use Drugs (ONPUD) works to inform and shape drug policy through advising, consultation, activism, and capacity-building among its members. Website: https://onpud.com

Deadline: January 10, 2026 Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) is seeking passionate leaders to join our Board of Directors. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of wound, ostomy, and continence care in Canada while representing the voice of our members. Read below for the open positions and how to apply online at https://www.nswoc.ca/call-for-nominations . Open Positions: Executive Board President-Elect Serves two years as President-Elect, commencing after the Annual Members Meeting on April 25, 2026, followed by two years as president, followed by one year as Past President. View the full role description online at https://www.nswoc.ca/call-for-nominations Secretary Term: 2 years, commencing after the Annual Members Meeting on April 25, 2026. Treasurer has the opportunity to run for an additional 2 years. View the full role description online at https://www.nswoc.ca/call-for-nominations Board Directors NSWOCC is organized into five regions to ensure strong communication and local representation across the country. Each Regional Director is elected at the Annual Members Meeting and serves as both a voice for their region and a voting Board member. There is also a SWAN Director position, representing the voice of SWANs and SWAN Students, on the Board as a voting member. Term:  2 years, with the opportunity to run for an additional 2 years Regional Directors: Provide regional perspectives to national decision-making Host two regional meetings each year (in-person or virtual) Strengthen communication and connection between members and the national organization View the full role description online at https://www.nswoc.ca/call-for-nominations Open Positions: Ontario Regional Director Québec Regional Director Atlantic Regional Director NOMINATIONS DEADLINE: JANUARY 10, 2026 Required Nomination Forms If you are interesting in nominating someone to the NSWOCC Board of Directors, you must complete the Nomination Form on our website at https://www.nswoc.ca/call-for-nominations , which will be reviewed by the NSWOCC Nominating Committee Chair. ​ Once a nomination is received and reviewed by the Nominating Committee Chair, the candidate will be notified of their nomination and will be asked to complete the Nominations Acceptance and Consent to Serve Form online at https://www.nswoc.ca/call-for-nominations . If you have been nominated for an Officer or Regional Director Position, please complete the Nominations Acceptance and Consent to Serve Form online at https://www.nswoc.ca/call-for-nominations to complete the nomination process. ​ Please note that both forms must be completed by January 10, 2026 in order for a candidate to be an eligible nominee for election.​ ​ For any questions or inquires please contact office@nswoc.ca . Nominations to the NSWOCC Board of Directors will be considered based on meeting the NSWOCC Bylaw requirements. ​ NSWOCC By Laws 5.03: Board Director Qualifications ​ Directors shall: be an individual who is not less than eighteen years of age; be a Member of the Association for a minimum of two (2) years as a member in good standing; except Directors appointed pursuant to section 5.06, shall be a Member of the Association; not be an employee or representative of a company whose primary business involves the development, manufacture and sole distribution of products in the field of wound, ostomy and or continence care; not be a contractor of the Association; or not be a person who has been found by a court in Canada or elsewhere to be mentally incompetent, who has the status of a bankrupt, or who is an “ineligible individual” as defined in the Income Tax Act. Submission Deadline for each file: January 10th, 2026