European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel
Eleventh Annual EPUAP Meeting, Bruges, 3-6 September 2008
Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is situated in the western part of Belgium and only a short distance away from the Belgian Coast. The capital of Belgium, Brussels, is only 100 km away.
It was a justified motive that prompted UNESCO in 2000 to include the entire historical city centre on the World Heritage list. Walking along the maze of winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals, you imagine yourself to be in medieval times. The wealth of museums is a striking image of this city’s stirring history.
Bruges is also home to contemporary culture, such as the new Concert Hall, which is one of the most prominent music complexes in Flanders. The restaurants in Bruges which offer gastronomic cuisine and the exclusive hotels are a true feast for those who enjoy the good things in life.
The conference venue is the medieval Hospital of Saint John, which is located in the historic center of Bruges.
Saint John’s Hospital was one of the oldest existing in Europe, however, in 1978 it ceased to be a hospital and was turned into a museum. Originally its purpose was to provide food and shelter for pilgrims, passers by, and travelling salesmen, and to take care of the sick if they were not contagious. It was run by Brothers and Sisters from a religious order. Today one can visit the old pharmacy, the collection of historic medical equipment, and some of the former hospital wards.
