We heard with great sadness last month the news that Professor Gerry Bennett, the first Recorder and Founder Member of the EPUAP, had died. He will be sadly missed for all his input and energy which resulted in a major contribution to the success and growth of EPUAP. We extend sympathy to his family at their loss. In a further issue of the Review the work that Gerry carried out with regard to pressure ulcers and care of the elderly will be highlighted.

On a happier note, the planning of the Seventh Open Meeting in Tampere, Finland with its theme: ‘Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management – have we made a difference?’ is in full swing. We have had over seventy abstracts submitted for presentation, and the programme committee is working hard in organizing an exciting and stimulating time in Finland.

In March of this year we held a small meeting in Oxford to find means of increasing awareness of pressure ulcers in UK. Members from Industry, The Department of Health’s Complaints and Negligence Committee, healthcare workers, and the Editor of the Journal of Wound Care met with Mike Clark, George Cherry and the Business Office staff. A lively discussion ensued and many ideas were exchanged. A further meeting of the group will be held in June 2003.

A trustees meeting was held on 21–22 March 2003, again in Oxford. Reports were given from all four working groups. There was a good discussion on the role that Industry should play in EPUAP. Carol Dealey and Jacqui Fletcher had made in-depth revisions of the EPUAP constitution, terms of office, and appointment of trustees, which were discussed at length and will be presented for ratification at the Annual General Meeting of the Panel in Tampere in September.

The Nutritional Guidelines group are working hard on their task and will present their work for the Panel to discuss in Tampere.

Finally, if anyone wishes to host future annual meetings from 2005 onwards please contact us at the Business Office in Oxford!

We look forward to seeing you all in Tampere.

George Cherry
EPUAP Business Office, Oxford