Our Team

Dr. Apelles Econs MRCS, LRCP

Medical Director

Dr Econs studied Medicine at the Middlesex Hospital Medical School, London, where he obtained his medical degree in 1976. After a number of hospital appointments he entered general practice in Walton-on-Thames in 1979. A keen volleyball player, represented the discipline in the British Olympic Association Medical Subcommittee until 1994, held a number of other honorary appointments and served in the committee of the newly incepted local NHS Primary Care Group.

His interest in diet and other environmental factors affecting human health was sparked in the early eighties when two of his patients with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue claimed they were "cured" by means of simple dietary changes recommended separately by two of his colleagues. This lead him to research the area of environmental influences on human health; he learnt, developed and applied in his NHS practice some of the methods used in Clinical Allergy along with services offering preventative and nutritional measures for asthma, eczema, hay fever and other common medical problems, some not obviously associated with immune dysfunction.

In the mid-eighties he became a member of the British Society of Ecological Medicine (BSEM) then known as Brit Soc of Allergy Environmental & Nutritional Medicine and he incorporated safe methods of desensitisation for allergies, not responding to popular medications. This society is affiliated to the Institute of Biology, runs a two year post-graduate modular course and some of its members are recognised by the General Medical Council as medical specialists.

For years, respiratory allergy, paediatric, ear/nose & throat and gastro-intestinal problems were treated with advice on diet and other life style changes, which resulted in a significant reduction of referrals to hospital departments and a reduction of long-term prescriptions such as analgesics, anti-inflammatories, anti-depressants, inhaled steroids and ulcer-healing drugs. On the basis of this model, he has advocated that substantial savings can be made for the local and national health economy, if these were to adopt methodology, involving an environmentally oriented approach for many chronic medical conditions, instead of focusing on the current symptom-control.

Since 1992 his practice has supported people suffering with various types of allergy and other immune problems. He retired from his NHS practice in 2001 to take over two independent clinics in Yorkshire and Oxford due to the retirement of colleagues specialising in the same field, while continuing to operate from premises in Weybridge, Surrey. Through the years, he has participated in a number of clinical trials, lectured in post-graduate centres and has contributed to medical journals, popular magazines and radio programmes on topics varying from food intolerance in obesity to the role of volatile organic compounds in human health.

Hazel Econs

Director

Hazel, as head of Finance and Personnel, has nearly 20 years Practice Manager experience in both the NHS and private care. Her experience across a demanding range of business disciplines, underpins the administration of all three clinics within Allergy Medical UK.

Hazel's accountabilities include the management of cash flow and company resource planning, ensuring that capital investment matches the ever increasing demands of health care regulators, with the practical daily requirements of staff and patients. In addition, she monitors the demands of the centre's clinicians and doctors who rightly expect the highest standards.

Hazel vigorously exercises commitment to employee satisfaction and loyalty, qualities amply demonstrated by the long service records of staff members. They in turn, respect the high standards Hazel demands, recognising that her authority is well founded on personal experience and hard won reputation. Nurturing the well being of everyone is a refined art that requires both empathy and firmness for which Hazel is well known.

Hazel has two sons who in their twenties, are similarly forging their own links with destiny and in their unique ways benefit from her intrinsic self discipline and industriousness. She enjoys gardening, homemaking, reading and theatre. Often seen around town with her Cocker Spaniel, Muffin, Hazel as busy as its possible to be, always makes time for others and enjoys opportunities to help wherever she can.

Rachel

Rachel's friendly expertise is both welcoming and reassuring for visitors to the clinic as her cheery smile puts everyone at their ease. For more than 12 years she has helped the clinic develop into a well rounded patient care operation.

Rachel's accountabilities include the provision of administration support and attendance guidance for existing and prospective clients. In addition she books clinic appointments and manages communications between patients and clinical personnel.

Married with two teenage daughters aged 19 and 13, Rachel shares her youngest daughter's keen interest in ballet and she also is closely involved in the chaperoning and mentoring of youngsters in her care.