EORNA Committees

How EORNA’s work is organised

Six committees carrying EORNA's mission forward

EORNA’s work is carried out by six committees, made up of Board members and national representatives from across Europe. Each committee focuses on a specific area of EORNA’s mission — from education and standards to accreditation, congress delivery and communication — and meets alongside the EORNA Board meetings held each spring and autumn.

Together, the committees translate EORNA’s mission into practical action: promoting a high standard of perioperative patient care, supporting the professional interests of European perioperative nurses, and strengthening links between national associations and international partners.

Find out more about each committee, its current focus, and who chairs it below.

EDAC leads EORNA’s external-facing development work, building and maintaining the relationships, accreditation processes and digital presence that connect EORNA with the wider perioperative community. The committee manages EORNA ACE, EORNA’s accreditation process for perioperative education, and oversees the EORNA website to make sure members and visitors can find accurate, up-to-date information.

Chair: Peter De Gang (VVOV, Belgium)

EC works to raise educational standards in perioperative nursing and to support the free movement of specialised operating room nurses across Europe. The committee developed the EORNA Core Curriculum for Perioperative Nursing, a four-module framework translated into the languages of EORNA’s member associations, along with the EORNA Framework for Perioperative Nurse Competencies. Current priorities include expanding EORNA’s education offer through e-learning, so that high-quality training is accessible to perioperative nurses wherever they are based in Europe.

Explore the guidelines.

Chair: Wivine Schellekens (AFISO, Belgium)

PNC focuses on the clinical and practical side of perioperative nursing care. The committee analyses current issues affecting practice across Europe’s varied healthcare systems and develops practical recommendations for members. Its work feeds directly into EORNA’s guidelines and resources, including the planned EORNA Guidelines Book.

Explore the committee’s work here.

Chair: Andreas Stylianou (CORNA, Cyprus)

OrgC looks after the governance and administration that keeps EORNA running smoothly. The committee reviews EORNA’s formal documents including the Constitution and Standing Orders and recommends updates where needed, and makes sure EORNA’s internal processes and guidelines are followed consistently across the association.

Read the current EORNA Constitution.

Chair: Christine Robin (SIGOP/SIDOPS, Switzerland)

SC shapes the scientific programme for the EORNA Congress, EORNA’s flagship biennial event. The committee selects and develops the sessions, speakers and topics that bring together perioperative nurses from across Europe to share evidence, research and practical experience.

Chair: Cathrine Heen (NAORN, Norway)

The EORNA Congress Committee oversees the organisation and delivery of EORNA’s Bi-Annual Congress, working alongside the Scientific Committee to bring the event to life, from logistics and venue to the overall delegate experience.

Chair: May Karam (UNAIBODE, France)

Why EORNA Committees Matter

EORNA committees are pivotal in advancing perioperative nursing standards, improving patient safety, and supporting nurse education and professional development. Their work ensures that EORNA remains a leading voice in European perioperative nursing, fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence.