Family sees how grandpa’s work has grown

Rosemary Langmore, David Langmore, Anne Rainbow, Professor John Langmore, Wendy Langmore and St John of God Berwick Hospital CEO Lisa Norman. 176040 Picture: BONNY BURROWS

By Bonny Burrows

Members of Berwick’s legendary doctor Percy Langmore’s family have returned to his former stomping ground to witness how their grandfather’s work has shaped local healthcare.
Dr Percy Langmore, who was born in 1875 and died in 1972, and his son Dr Leonard Langmore, were instrumental in the development of the Berwick Bush Nursing Hospital, known now as the St John of God Berwick Hospital.
And on 8 December, Dr Percy Langmore’s grandchildren and Leonard’s children, Professor John Langmore, Anne Rainbow and David Langmore paid a visit to the Gibb Street hospital, which has been renamed the St John of God Langmore Centre, as it prepares to be revamped into a private rehabilitation and mental health service.
There, they toured the premises, reflecting on the changes since its establishment in the early 1900s.
The family shared a laugh at how the CEO’s office was once the home of many births and reminisced on stories of their grandfather stopping at nothing to treat a sick person.
All said they were amazed at how Berwick had changed in the 40 years since their last visit.
They discussed with staff how the facility would be used come 18 January when the hospital relocates to its new Kangan Drive site, and were delighted to hear their grandfather and father’s legacy would live on.
“When deciding on a new name for the Gibb Street site, the one thing people kept coming back to was the Langmore name,” said Commissioning CEO, St John of God Langmore Centre Sue Blake said.
“The Langmore name is synonymous with the delivery of exceptional quality health care.”
The family were also treated to a sneak peak of the new super-sized hospital with a personal tour by CEO Lisa Norman.
The Langmores said they were deeply touched to see traces of their family throughout the new and old hospital.
The Gibb Street site features pictures of the Langmore’s throughout and a Dr Percy Langmore Block, while the new premises includes portraits of the two Langmores and other key hospital figures created by marketing manager Lisa Carman.
“You can imagine how thrilled we are,” Professor John Langmore said.
Ms Norman said it was “wonderful” to show the Langmore’s around.
“They’re the founding family, the essence of the hospital,” Ms Norman said.
“It’s incredibly powerful for me to have Percy’s grandchildren, Leonard’s children in this hospital.
“It feels a bit like we have royalty present.”