our organization

the history of hospice care

During Medieval times, hospices lined the well-traveled roadways, giving weary travelers a place to stop and rest. The modern hospice movement did not begin until the late 1960s, in London, England. Dr. Cicely Saunders, a physician and social worker, was working with many people who faced terminal illness and end-of-life issues. Because all of her patients shared a common fear of pain and loneliness, Dr. Saunders began hospice care for them in London's St. Christopher's Hospital. Visitors, including pets, could come at any time, as often as they wished. Patients were encouraged to bring favorite chairs, pillows, pictures and afghans to make their rooms as much like home as possible. Pain relief was a priority and once the ideal level of medication was determined, it was routinely given at proper intervals around the clock to consistently keep pain under control.

The first hospice in the United States was opened in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1970, where they realized that patients would prefer to remain at home while under hospice care. This has become a cornerstone of hospice philosophy. While all hospices share the basic principles of the hospice movement, each organization is individually operated, with its own unique qualities.

our history

Hospice of Holland was created by a concerned group of Holland area residents who had a passion and commitment to start a hospice program. With the help of many individuals, and the support of the directors of Holland Hospital and the local chapter of the American Cancer society, they signed incorporation papers in April of 1981. Policies and programs were quickly developed, the volunteer curriculum was written, and the first 20 volunteers were trained. Executive Director, Marian DeVries; Medical Director, Dr. Jerome Wassink; Patient Care Coordinator, Sandy Byrne, RN; and Volunteer Coordinator, Betty Jo Bell each accepted their positions as volunteers.

Our first patient was admitted in January of 1982. Hospice of Holland cared for 20 patients and their families that year, with the help of a gift from the Donnelly Corporation. In 1986, Hospice of Holland moved to "The Blue House" on 8th Street, where the organization grew steadily. Generous contributions from the community enabled us to move into our own building at 270 Hoover Boulevard in 1994. Today, we employ more than 80 people and have more than 200 volunteers. Thanks to all who have contributed and worked so hard to give dignity and comfort to those in their final months, Hospice of Holland is now one of the most respected hospices in the Midwest.