Twin Lakes Hospice History

Hospice of Greater Golden Valley was first envisioned by the Inter-Church Ministry, an Ecumenical Board of Churches in the Lakes Region. Donna Kay Campbell met with several people from Golden Valley Memorial Hospital for the first time to talk about starting a hospice.  In April of 1984, it was announced that a hospice would be started in the area. The Constitution was established on September 24, 1984 and was signed in October of 1985.

One of two early sources of funds was a grant from the United Methodist Church. In addition, the American Cancer Society of Henry County gave the hospice organization a grant for start up costs.

 

MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Thomas Spooner was the Medical Director for Twin Lakes Hospice in the beginning of Hospice in 1984 until he retired in April 2011.   He was very dedicated to hospice patients and had been known to make “house calls” if needed.  We are pleased to have Dr. Brendan Bagley as our current Medical Director.

 

THE HOSPICE MOVEMENT

The word "hospice" originated in medieval times.  Derived from the Latin word "hospes" meaning host or guest. Travel-weary crusaders on their way to the Holy Land found refuge in monasteries. Eventually these places of rest came to be called hospices. Because great number of the pilgrims were in ill health, many spent their last days there.

  •  The term "hospice" refers to a steadily growing concept of humane and compassionate care which can be implemented in a variety of settings.  Patients in the home, hospitals, nursing homes, or freestanding inpatient facilities.