Chronological coverage updated 2nd October 2026 07:00.
Update 1 · 2nd October 2026
Medical Experts Urge UK Venues to Cancel Events by Banned Wellness Speaker Barbara O'Neill
A coalition of scientists, medical school leaders, and health charity executives has issued an open letter to venues across the UK and Ireland scheduled to host Barbara O'Neill, a 73-year-old Australian wellness coach. O'Neill, who describes herself as a naturopath and nutritionist, was permanently prohibited from delivering health services in Australia following a government investigation.
During her international lectures, O'Neill has made claims that cancer is caused by a fungus and can be cured using bicarbonate of soda. She has also asserted that childhood vaccinations cause autism and sudden infant death syndrome, and advised pregnant women diagnosed with Strep B to decline antibiotic treatments.
Regulatory History and Open Letter Warning
The open letter, organised by Trinity College Dublin biostatistics expert Dr David Robert Grimes, urges establishment managers to reconsider hosting O'Neill, noting that her retreats and private phone consultations charge attendees thousands of dollars.
The Guardian reportedly quoted New South Wales Health Care Complaints Commission (official findings from the 2019 Australian investigation into Barbara O'Neill) as saying: “does not recognise that she is misleading vulnerable people (including mothers and cancer sufferers) by providing very selective information. The misinformation has real potential to have a detrimental effect on the health of individuals because Mrs O’Neill also discourages mainstream treatment for cancer, antibiotics and vaccinations.”.
Scheduled UK Engagements and Public Perceptions
Despite her prohibition order in Australia, O'Neill and her husband continue to organise events internationally. Scheduled engagements include a five-day retreat at the Cranage Estate in Cheshire costing £700 per ticket, an event run by wellness group Balm of Gilead in Gormanston, Ireland, and a headline appearance at the Founders and Future festival hosted at Glasgow University Union.
67% of UK adults regard health misinformation as a serious problem, with 89% stating that it places human lives at risk. — according to Academy of Medical Sciences.
- Barbara O'Neill remains subject to an enforceable lifetime prohibition order across Australia for providing dangerous health advice.
- Medical leaders from institutions including UCL, Trinity College Dublin, and Cambridge signed a letter warning UK venues.
- Survey data indicates nearly 90% of UK adults believe medical misinformation puts human lives at risk.
