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| Name |
Holland Hospital |
| Address |
602 Michigan Ave |
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| Town |
Holland |
| State |
Michigan |
| Country |
USA |
| Post Code |
49423 |
| Phone |
616 392 5141 |
| Fax |
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| Email |
info@hollandhospital.org |
| Website |
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Specialization Of Holland Hospital
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Obestetrician/Gynecologist |
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About Holland Hospital
Holland Hospital is the leading hospital in the West Michigan Lakeshore area, serving more than 150,000 residents within our primary service area. Our advanced technology, comprehensive services and compassionate care also make us the health care choice for thousands more throughout Ottawa and Allegan counties.
Holland Hospital is nationally recognized for quality practices and exceptional patient care. Learn more by clicking on the links at right
** Our MISSION **
The mission of the Holland Hospital Foundation is to create access to quality,
professional health care services for the uninsured and underinsured members
of our community.
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History Of Holland Hospital
A New, “Legitimate” Hospital
In the early 20th century, Holland was a flourishing community. Founded by immigrants from the Netherlands, Holland’s population was still 90 percent Dutch. The area was a popular retreat for the wealthy, drawn to the lakeside resort of Hotel Ottawa. Known for its industrious and hard-working residents, Holland attracted many companies that provided good jobs and a strong tax base.
While Holland was a growing community, health care was woefully inadequate. Treatment was often limited to occasional visits by doctors, nurses and midwives from neighboring towns, or simple home remedies. In the summer of 1916, the Holland Common Council voted to establish its first “legitimate” hospital. The city paid $15,000 to purchase the home of Dr. Henry Kremers on East 12th Street, and converted it to a small hospital, which opened in 1917 featuring two wards, a nursery, two private and one semi-private rooms and an operating room
602 Michigan Avenue
From the start, the small hospital was almost too successful. Overcrowding was a problem. Some patients were on stretchers in hallways or put on waiting lists. Twice city residents were asked to fund an expansion. Both times they refused, believing many non-residents would use services that they did not help fund.
Not to be discouraged, city and utility leaders came up with a brilliant funding proposition: the Board of Public Works would donate its utility profits to fund the new hospital. With much fanfare, city officials approved the plan in 1925. Many community groups rallied behind the new hospital to help raise money with baked goods and sewing sales, and in 1927, construction of a modern hospital began.
The new Holland City Hospital opened its doors to the community on January 19, 1928, with a grand celebration and tour. As reported in the Holland City News, “From the time that the doors were opened until the closing hour, crowds surged through the building, viewing the beautiful rooms and furnishings, while only praise was heard from all sides…. Flowers were in every room and a remark was overheard to the effect that it would be a pleasure to be sick in a hospital of this type.”
Located at 602 Michigan Avenue – its present site – the stately brick hospital featured three wards, 22 private rooms with a total of 48 beds, and the latest lab and X-ray equipment
The Great Depression and WWII
But optimism and prosperity didn’t last long. Holland, like many other communities, was hit hard when the stock market crashed in 1929, ushering in the Great Depression. Hospital staff were forced to take pay cuts and cost-cutting measures were implemented across the board. Yet, the hospital continued to care for the sick, and in April 1936, the Junior Welfare League donated an incubator for premature infants born at the hospital.
In the mid-1940s, needs again outpaced the hospital’s capacity. But with the onset
of World War II, expansion would have to wait. Many Holland doctors and nurses volunteered for duty, creating a staffing shortage so severe that in March 1944 the Draft Board was advised that the hospital could spare no more doctors.
Once the war was over, returning doctors and nurses brought new expertise and technology to Holland City Hospital, such as nuclear medicine. A 20-bed expansion also was on the drawing board, but was not completed until 1951 because of building problems and funding shortages.
Continued Growth
community’s needs under the charismatic leadership of Hospital Director Frederick S. Burd. He rallied support for a successful bond issue from voters in Holland, Fillmore and Park townships that raised almost $1 million to add a four-story addition to the hospital in 1957.
In 1969, the hospital added 55 beds along with a new Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, and Pediatrics Play Unit. A year later, a parking lot was added to accommodate staff and visitors. The hospital’s capacity was now 198 beds.
In the last two decades, the hospital continued tremendous growth in its staff, facilities, technology and medical expertise. In the late 1970s, additional construction on the west side of the hospital provided updated surgical facilities, a 12-bed psychiatric unit and more patient rooms.
In 1988, the hospital expanded its outpatient surgical services, pre-admission testing facilities, rehab and cardiopulmonary areas, urgent care, emergency department and registration area. An ambulatory addition, two-tier parking deck and helipad were constructed in 1996.
The 21st Century
Under the leadership of President/CEO Dale Sowders, Holland Hospital completed another major expansion. Today, the hospital has added 90,000 square feet of new space and renovated another 46,000 square feet. In addition to new and expanded emergency and intensive care services, a special care pediatric nursery, and a new cardiac rehab facility, the expansion includes a boulevard entranceway on the hospital’s south side, a new chapel and an airy, public Café. More on current expansion
Holland Hospital has come a long way since its humble inception in 1917. But while the hospital has undergone numerous “bricks and mortar” changes over the years, it has always remained true to its mission: “to continually improve the health of the communities we serve.” Our growth reflects our continuing commitment to provide exceptional and more immediate specialized care for our Lakeshore communities.
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