Langmore: the man behind the name

20 Aug 2021

The Gibb Street hospital has had many identities over the years- Shepton Private Hospital, Berwick Bush Nursing Hospital, Berwick Inc and St John of God Berwick Hospital. Its latest moniker, the St John of God Langmore Centre, pays tribute to a family who drove the foundations of health care in Berwick and the outer south eastern suburbs.

He arrived in Berwick in 1907 and opened Berwick's first hospital, Shepton Private Hospital, only three years later with Nurse Grace Dunphy.

Having arrived in Berwick as a bachelor in 1909 he married nurse Florence Ellson. Sadly, Florence died in November 1912 when their son Leonard was only 11 months old.

In 1920, Dr Langmore re-married. Catherine McCallum was a friend of his first wife. Catherine took over caring for young Leonard (who later also became a very influential Berwick doctor). Though Dr Langmore was such a fine man, and a doctor, he wasn't immune from tragedy. Catherine developed cancer and died in 1928. Much later, at the age of 72, he married Maybelle Haines, who shared his love of gardening. While Dr Langmore was said to have a full and valuable life, it was also filled with sadness and loneliness.

Dr Langmore embarked on a personal program to plant trees in Berwick streets in his later years. His tree planting program took place over a period of fifty years which is still evident in the streets of the Berwick township. Dr Langmore's name is often recalled because in his life, he became a legend. It was said that nothing would stop him from going to a sick person and being paid financially was his last thought.

Dr Langmore was instrumental in laying the foundations for healthcare in Berwick. He serviced a wide area, including Emerald, Gembrook and out into the Koo Wee Rup swamp, first in his horse and buggy over the rough ungravelled tracks that serviced as district roads. He later bought a motorbike, then a motorised buggy and later a motor car to do his rounds. Nevertheless, he still maintained the horse and buggy for places that were difficult to traverse. When the new Berwick Hospital wing was opened in 1953 it was named to honor Dr Percy Langmore. Due to retire at the onset of WW2, Dr Langmore decided he would be needed and kept on his service until the war ended, despite suffering greatly from arthritis. He retired at 72.

He was an example and inspiration to many. Deep Christian faith motivated his life and work. Peers said he was a very fine doctor.

Dr Langmore's legacy lives on as we acknowledge his dedication and work by naming this new facility in his honour.