Dear Friends,

As 2004 comes to an end, there is still so much to say. This is yet another
testimony to the energy and dedication of the EPUAP. In 2004 we had
the opportunity to explore and confirm exciting paths in our work during
the following two occasions:

• A first meeting in Paris in April at which time the French association PERSE
hosted several members of the executive committee and trustees of the EPUAP
such as Tom Defloor, Christina Lindholm, Mike Clark, Carol Dealey and Jeen
Haalboom. This meeting was a wonderful opportunity to present the progress
and the projects of the EPUAP. The quality of the presentations (and the
presenters!) greatly impressed the members of PERSE and allowed us to share
our experiences and to enlarge our horizons. The decision was taken that
evening to exchange the experiences of the French and European group on
a more frequent basis. I was able once again to realize my good fortune to
belong to both of these groups and to be able to take advantage of the cross
sectional richness of information as well as to contribute and participate in
the sharing of this information.

• A second much larger meeting took place in Paris in July during the WUWHS
with a strong participation of the EPUAP in numerous sessions. All the dynamic
forces of the EPUAP were able to present their research and demonstrate
their capacity to teach and share information. It was also a wonderful
opportunity to spend six days side by side with the world’s most motivated
experts in the area of prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.
These two meetings, each different in size and media attention, are nevertheless
both proof of a common philosophy. The EPUAP comprises of individuals
each with a strong dedication to continuing education and research in the
field of Pressure Ulcer Management in order to improve the quality of life of our
patients. Our goal is not only to be better informed but also most importantly to
better treat and heal.

Despite our efforts, we still have much work to do. The next event has already
been identified as our 8th meeting, which will be held in Aberdeen, next May.
Once again it will be the opportunity to debate not only that which we already
know, but most importantly that which we still do not know, which is not necessarily
limited to the realm of knowledge. We still have much work to do in the
understanding of our respective health systems, the diffusion of good working
practices, and in the capacity of self-evaluation of our methods in order to promote
continuous improvement.

The EPUAP’s ultimate goal is still far from being reached. Many patients still
suffer from pressure ulcers and numerous medical teams are lacking motivation
and tools. The public powers, or more generally speaking the decision makers in
health matters, continue to discount the importance of pressure ulcer management
in public health care.

I sincerely hope that our engagements on both a national and European
level will allow us to reach the next step. I truly believe that it is through our
convergence of individual energy and dedication that we will pave the way for
the future and win the battle against pressure ulcers.

One final word, I would like to emphasize the great confidence that I have in
all of you in completing our mission and reaching our goal, and I would like to
stress how important my involvement in the EPUAP is to both my personal and
professional life.

Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing you very soon!

Denis Colin
President