Barbara O’Neill | |
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 Barbara O'Neill in 2018 | |
| Born | 28 July 1953 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Alternative medicine promoter |
| Years active | 2004– |
| Known for | Dangerous and unsubstantiated alternative medicine claims |
| Spouse | Michael O’Neill |
| This article is part of a series on |
| Alternative medicine |
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Barbara O'Neill (born 28 July 1953[1]) is an Australian alternative health care promoter who advertises unsupported health practices described as misinformation and a risk to health and safety by the New South Wales Health Care Complaints Commission.[2][3][1] She does not have any recognised qualifications and did not finish nursing training. She has presented her claims at alternative medicine organisations, wellness retreats, and Seventh-day Adventist Churches.[4][5] She is married to Michael O'Neill, the founder of the now-defunct Informed Medical Options Party, an anti-vaccination and anti-fluoride political group.[5]
In 2019, the Health Care Complaints Commission in New South Wales ruled that she is prohibited from providing any health-related services following several complaints from the public and health professionals.[1][4][5] An investigation found that she provided dangerous advice to vulnerable patients, such as telling those with cancer to forego prescribed chemotherapy for bicarbonate of soda, and to give infants unpasteurised goat's milk.[6] The investigation found that she also did not have any qualifications in a health-related field, and that she failed to meet the expected standards of unregistered health professionals.[4]
- ^ a b c "Public Statement and Statement of Decision in relation to Mrs Barbara O'Neill". hccc.nsw.gov.au. Health Care Complaints Commission. 24 September 2019. Archived from the original on 16 February 2023. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
- ^ Elder, Shane (5 October 2019). "Shonky naturopaths claimed to cure cancer: Banned for life, still advertising". The New Daily. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
- ^ Hall, Harriet (15 October 2019). "Australian Naturopath Barbara O'Neill Banned for Her Dangerous Health Advice". Science-Based Medicine. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
- ^ a b c Kofkin, Tony (24 September 2019). "Statement of Decision on Mrs Barbara O'Neill". hccc.nsw.gov.au. Health Care Complaints Commission. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
- ^ a b c Davey, Melissa (11 October 2019). "Health retreat run by banned wellness coach Barbara O'Neill under investigation". The Guardian. Australia.
- ^ Davey, Melissa (3 October 2019). "Naturopath who said bicarbonate soda cures cancer banned for life by health watchdog". The Guardian. Australia. Retrieved 23 July 2023.