Explore the Heart of Emerald Medical Centre

Dr. Ian (Spud) Mcleod Murphy was an old-style doctor who came to Emerald in the early 1950’s after a distinguished career in the Navy. He soon became the beloved affable GP most of the older people of the area remember as the first GP in the Hills. He established the Emerald Medical Centre in the old Post Office, which he painted battleship grey. Murphys Way, beside the surgery, was named in honour of his decades of service and his quirky ways.

After the passing of beloved local GP Spud Murphy, Dr. George Somers was invited to continue the Emerald Medical Centre in 1981. With a strong sense of community and a deep commitment to holistic care, Dr. Somers became the principal GP and led the practice for over four decades. Under his stewardship, Emerald Medical Centre became a cornerstone of healthcare in the Hills — a place where generations of families have felt seen, heard, and cared for.

Though now retired from general practice, Dr. Somers continues to support the clinic behind the scenes. His enduring presence and quiet guidance are part of the reason the values of compassion, connection, and continuity remain strong in our walls today.

Emerald Medical Centre has continually evolved to meet the growing needs of our community. In 1995, it became the first purpose-built medical centre in Emerald — a major milestone that reflected our long-term commitment to local care. In 2016, the centre underwent a significant transformation with the addition of a second storey and lift access, improving accessibility and allowing us to expand our services.

In more recent years, a new collaborative space was created through the construction of  linking the practice with co-located pharmacy and pathology providers. This seamless internal access has strengthened the continuity of care for our patients and fostered a more integrated healthcare experience right in the heart of Emerald.

Today, Emerald Medical Centre stands as a modern, purpose-built healthcare hub in the heart of the Hills. Our thoughtfully designed, two-storey clinic features over ten fully equipped GP consulting rooms, dedicated treatment and nurse rooms, and flexible spaces for allied health and community meetings.

With a private car park, lift access, and seamless integration with on-site pharmacy and pathology services, the clinic has been built to provide comfort, accessibility, and continuity of care for every patient. It’s a space designed not just for now — but for the future of healthcare in Emerald.