Practice History

The New Town of Livingston was created in 1962.  By the early 1970s housing was built first in Howden, and later in Ladywell.  The first GP was Dr Maxwell Gardiner.  He was soon joined by Drs Buchan, Stewart, Riddoch, and McMichael.  Each GP worked from surgeries in converted houses in Dawson Avenue, Alberta Avenue, and Willowbank.  These pioneering GPs participated in the 'Livingston Experiment', a special scheme where doctors worked both as General Practitioners and Hospital Practitioners.

A purpose built Health Centre (now Braid House) was opened in Labrador Avenue in 1973, and the GPs and staff moved there that November.

Further expansion of the local housing stock continued, particularly in Ladywell, Eliburn, and Livingston Village.  The expanding GP partnership moved to its current Health Centre in 1986, which offered much improved facilities and space.  Within a few years, St John's Hospital sprung up behind the Health Centre, and the parking has been a problem ever since!

There has been much change in the line up of GPs over the past few years.  The last of the original doctors retired in 2002 (Dr Stewart) and 2003 (Dr Buchan).  Currently we have 7 GP Principals and a GP Retainer.