First I would like to wish all EPUAP members a very happy and peaceful new year! It seems like only yesterday we were preparing to attend the Le Mans conference, and again we must thank Dr Denis Colin for his organisation and hosting of what was yet another successful EPUAP Annual Conference. Now we face 2002 and our first meeting in Central Europe - and both as Editor of this newsletter, and as Recorder of the EPUAP, I look forward to meeting with you in Budapest this coming September. The Budapest meeting will strongly focus upon one of the key strengths of the EPUAP - the on-going efforts of the Working Groups. During the meeting each active Working Group will take the lead over a half-day programme that focuses both on their activities and plans and also upon related presentations that reinforce the Working Group's scientific and clinical foundations. I would encourage all EPUAP members to consider becoming actively involved with one, or several EPUAP Working Groups - currently these tackle the measurement of pressure ulcer prevalence across European hospitals, the risk factors for pressure ulcer development following hip fracture and the more general search for 'true' risk factors for pressure ulcer development. Details of each Working Group can be found within this issue of the EPUAP Review and I would strongly urge members to contact the Chair of Groups that interest you. One EPUAP Working Group, considering the evaluation of patient support surfaces reports its actions and conclusions within this issue of the Review. I would personally like to thank Dr Macleod for his stewardship of this Working Group, and consider that his direction has presented a model highlighting how we can achieve a stronger involvement of researchers and clinicians who currently work within the commercial sector within the efforts, and success of the EPUAP.

Once again I feel I must close my editorial by reminding members that this is your newsletter and that I would welcome new contributions of news, articles and opinion pieces from any member of the organisation. Over 2002 the current Working Groups of the EPUAP will all make strong contributions of new ideas and data within this newsletter. However, there remains plenty of space for other contributions! Perhaps you might like to contact me through the EPUAP Business Office to discuss potential articles for inclusion in future issues of the Review? Finally I repeat my hopes that all EPUAP Members will enjoy a successful year in 2002 and that as an organisation we will continue to gain a deeper understanding of pressure ulcers, their causes, treatment and prevention.

Michael Clark
Editor