Victoria Hospice announces the retirement of Lois Cosgrave, Chief Operating Officer, on March 31.
Lois began her healthcare career as an ICU nurse in the interior. Like many, she was drawn to Vancouver Island to be closer to family. On the ferry ride over she read a job posting in the Times Colonist for an ICU Manager role in Duncan. She applied, got the job, and so began her 35-year career at Island Health.
She held progressively senior roles and eventually became the Regional Director for Home and Community Care at Island Health in 2010. She later assumed the role of Director of the Palliative & End of Life Care (PEOL) program before retiring in 2018. That was her first kick at retirement!
After some travel and much-needed rest, Lois joined Victoria Hospice for what was meant to be short-term advisory role in 2019. It’s been four years of tireless operational leadership – including during a global pandemic – and leading Hospice’s first-ever Accreditation survey.
“Lois’ magnificent leadership skills and keen attention to the detail contributed significantly to Hospice’s achievement of the highest recognition award – Accreditation with Commendation by Accreditation Canada,“ says Marguerite Rowe, a former Victoria Hospice Society Board Chair who worked with Lois at Island Health and Victoria Hospice. “Lois has an omniscient focus on quality and a caring approach for patients, families, and staff.”
Lois is a mentor to many, including Jill Gerke, Director Regional Programs & Clinical Services, PEOL. “Lois hired me as the Manager of PEOL and together we strengthened the relationships between Island Health and the Federation of Hospice’s across the island, including with Victoria Hospice. Her energy, drive, and commitment to continuous quality improvement is so very impressive.”
Lois is ready to hang up her hat but has no immediate plans. She has learned to say “never say never” in this adventure called life. She plans to stay open to possibilities, keep up with her fitness routine, and tick more travel destinations off her bucket list.
“On behalf of staff and volunteers at Victoria Hospice, I want to thank Lois for her steady leadership and sage advice over the years,” says Kevin Harter, CEO, Victoria Hospice. “Please join me in congratulating her on this well-earned retirement!”
Lois will support onboarding our new COO Teri Henderson (pictured here) for the last week of March before her last day on March 31. Read about Teri Henderson.