clinic history

Nicky Pool RSHom.ATPsych.SRN. established the Purton House Homeopathic Centre in 1983 shortly after she graduated from the College of Homeopathy in London. Initially practising part time from home Nicky now heads a thriving clinic working alongside two other homeopaths, James Fitzgerald MSc.ACH.RSHom. and Dawne Belcher DipPHSH.

Nicky gained her accreditation with the UKCP in 1994 and Purton House now also offers clinics for psychotherapy and kinesiology. In time the Clinic outgrew its original premises and, in June 2000, moved to a large country house, Penley Grange, which is set in three acres of land with panoramic views over the Chilterns near High Wycombe.

Nicky went on to establish the Purton House School of Homeopathy in 1985. Originating with one class of ten of Nicky's patients who wanted to learn about the therapy she practised, the college also began in Nicky's family home, Purton House near Beaconsfield in Bucks. A four-year professional course rapidly developed and was one of the earlier to be recognised by the Society of Homeopaths. Purton House has maintained its recognition with The Society ever since. Over the years the College grew, attracting some of the most notable lecturers in the country and indeed some internationally renowned lecturers from around the world. Homeopaths such as Jeremy Sherr, Martin Miles, Dr. Rajan Sankaran, Dr. Sudhir Baldota, Dr. Jayesh Shah and the Sehgal brothers have all taught at the College.

As with the Clinic, the College outgrew Purton House and moved to Penley Grange in May 2000. Having its own premises, with purpose built classrooms has enabled the College to offer greatly improved facilities and resources. There is now on site administration support, an on site library, excellent clinical facilities, ample parking and common room areas in addition to dedicated classrooms.

As the world of homeopathy education grew it was becoming a challenge for some students to find homeopaths who offered the clinical observation that a diploma course requires. Therefore in 1995 Purton House was one of the first colleges to offer a student clinic with a live video link to a consulting room. In this clinic a fully qualified and experienced homeopath, Tony Hurley MCH.RSHom takes patients' cases, with the link to a class of students. This way a number of students are simultaneously able to watch one homeopath working.

In response to a growing demand Purton House commenced a weekend course in 1997. Offering an identical syllabus to the mid-week course the weekend course helps to keep class sizes smaller and more personal and also gives students the option of when they would like to attend the lectures.

Since its creation Purton House School of Homeopathy has evolved from a small group of like-minded people with an interest in homeopathy to the professional college, with over 80 students enrolled, that it is today.