If he was the director of a FTSE 500 company, he’d be gone by now”. Prof Ashton said: "The social isolation has not been robust enough as a lot of people cant' afford to self-isolate, the measures to support people in self-isolation on low incomes hasn't been good enough. Professor John Ashton has called for a new National Care Service, Atletico Madrid fans in Liverpool ahead of Champions League game with Liverpool, Boris Johnson during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, All the Liverpool Echo newsletters you could be reading, Walton dad launches 'Scouse travel guide' helping thousands in the pandemic, Thug battered partner for years but didn't push her out window, Three die in BMW roundabout crash in early hours, The crash happened on East Prescot Road which remains closed, Carol Vorderman shares bikini snap to celebrate return to Wales, Carol wore a patriotic swimsuit to honour her Welsh roots, Passersby 'did all they could' to help three victims in tragic BMW crash, Tributes were paid to the two men and one woman who died on East Prescot Road earlier today, Stranger flags down grandad in car to warn him 'he is in danger', The 83-year-old was driving in Moreton when he was flagged down by another driver, Coronation Street star Jane Danson's famous husband you will recognise, He's been in Brookside, Emmerdale and Coronation Street. That likely allowed the virus to spread fast and undetected. [25] Britain’s first mistake, according to Ashton, came around th… ", Professor Ashton's now-published book - Blinded by Corona - was long-listed for the Orwell Prize, described by commentators as how "Britain's response was hobbled by a perfect storm created by a patient-orientated response rather than one that was society-facing. "[31], In August 2014, Ashton criticised what he called "the moral bankruptcy of capitalism" for being unwilling to deal with the ebola epidemic which is perceived as only a threat to poor people. Health minister Simon Burns claimed the letter wasn't from the department and that primary care trusts should not be heavy-handed. The government doesn’t seem to understand classic public health. Thanks a million, NHS workers - we love you. It’s pathetic. [10], Liverpool teenage pregnancy rate reduction programme, Obesity, alcohol and regional variations in life expectancy, President of the Faculty of Public Health 2013–2016, Scrapping of Warm Homes, Healthy People fund, Call for doctors to be allowed to help terminally ill patients die, International responsibility to deal with third world epidemics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of Liverpool School of Medicine, National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, "John Ashton: 'Inequality is our greatest challenge, Public Health England's plan for coronavirus 'totally negligent', says leading specialist, "Cumbria health boss John Ashton defends NHS reform letter", "Critic of Health Bill claims Lansley 'smear, "Liza Williams: Prof John Aston's disciplinary case shows that Health Bill critics will not be silenced", "True story: The Liverpool project to reduce teenage pregnancy", "Harm reduction conference remembers Liverpool's role in reducing those infected with HIV", "Welcome to the Liverpool Public Health Observatory (LPHO) web site", "Thirty-six infected with Legionnaires' disease", "Fat test shows Manchester really is larger than life", "NHS becoming a brand like Nike, warns departing health director", "Media blamed for West Cumbria shootings", "Why Health Bill's biggest critic has a lot to lose from reforms", "letters to the Independent:Why GPs oppose NHS changes", "Doctor who criticised NHS reforms is threatened with disciplinary action", "Cumbria health bill critic asked 'to explain, "PM rejects call to lower age of consent to 15", "Ministers scrap £20m scheme to keep elderly warm", "UK needs four-day week to combat stress, says top doctor", "Let doctors use drugs to help terminally ill patients die, says health expert", "If Ebola was in the UK we'd cure it, says leading doctor", "Health expert brands UK's coronavirus response 'pathetic, "E-cigarette criticisms 'alarmist' say researchers", "E-cigarette debate heats up in online war of words", "Public health chief on leave of absence after Twitter row", History of Modern Biomedicine Research Group, John Ashton for Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner 2020 campaign website, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Ashton_(public_health_director)&oldid=1009074222, Alumni of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Commanders of the Order of the British Empire, People educated at Quarry Bank High School, Wikipedia articles with BIBSYS identifiers, Wikipedia articles with CANTIC identifiers, Wikipedia articles with CINII identifiers, Wikipedia articles with PLWABN identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SUDOC identifiers, Wikipedia articles with Trove identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Wikipedia articles with multiple identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 26 February 2021, at 16:02. [11], In 1982, the Health Education Council invited the University of Liverpool, Department of Community Health to submit a proposal for a pilot project to reduce teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. David Cameron said there were no plans to change and, whilst David Tucker of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children supported a debate, he doubted if reducing the age of consent would help. "So whereas the public were very good in that first lockdown, now, traffic is not like it was at that time, with a lot more movement today. "But today, it's approaching five per cent when we boast about how good our science is and our virology. [30], In July 2014, Ashton became the "most senior doctor" to support assisted dying. "Now, it's the repeat of the same mistakes, like Groundhog Day, locking down too late again, refusing to take advice about a circuit break for the autumn half term, making people believe Christmas could be normal and then doing another U-turn. He received a letter from his primary care trust advising him that it was "inappropriate for individuals to raise their personal concerns about the proposed government reforms" leading to questions being asked in parliament. John Ashton, Self: Granada Reports. "We should be extending the school year to December to allow children to catch up, and we need some quite radical approaches to this. During an exchange on Twitter, according to The Times, Ashton called one e-cigarette advocate a "c**t", and another an "onanist. "It needs local public health teams at the forefront, who know their communities, who are trusted by local people as they are familiar with them. "They've not done the right thing at the right time and not taken public with them, very willing to blame other people for what's gone wrong. "So, we should have been ready for this crisis, [coronavirus], but we weren't.". “If Boris Johnson was a manager of a football team, he’d be gone by now. Viewpoint ITV: How many episodes of the drama are there? "We need to drive the level of circulating virus down, and that's where the lockdown comes in, and continuing with testing and tracing, to deal with outbreaks of the new variant, as they occur.". [18] He was later awarded the 2002 Alwyn Smith Prize and Medal "for lifelong contributions to public health by the Faculty of Public Health. John Ashton is a British doctor and academic. ITV confirms when the next episode of Viewpoint is, Tributes mount at scene after three people die in BMW roundabout crash, Floral tributes have been laid at the scene of the fatal crash, Stunning £2m period style Wirral homes on the market, One even has its own tennis court while another has its own balcony, Travellers set up camp on Southport town centre car park, Council has launched legal action after convoy of caravans turned up, Mums say babies are 'withdrawn' and 'anxious' due to covid, We spoke to two mums and businesswomen about the impact on families they have seen from the pandemic, Liverpool to benefit from unexpected £83m boost, The return of parachute payments following after promotions from the Championship will see money returned, Pep Guardiola has just given Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp a painful reminder of what they no longer have, Liverpool have been without a specific threat this season and Man City have exposed it, Liverpool transfer news LIVE - Yves Bissouma 'asking price', Ibrahima Konate latest, Adam Hlozek link, Liverpool transfer news, rumours, gossip and speculation including latest on Ibrahima Konate, Ousmane Dembele, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Adam Hlozek, and the continued European Super League fallout, Everton transfer news LIVE - Max Aarons chase, Moumi Ngamaleu link, Kieran Trippier 'offered', Everton transfer news, rumours, gossip and speculation including latest on Samuel Chukwueze, Moise Kean, Adrien Rabiot, Jordan Henderson refused to stay silent at Liverpool in WhatsApp chats and FSG message, It would have been easy for Henderson to have quietly taken a back seat last week - but that's not his nature, Everton must stay strong to ensure Super League punishment fits the crime, Everton have already shown they are ready to be strong over the European Super League rebels - and now they can ensure those involved are punished accordingly, Harvey Elliott can take advantage of Liverpool's worst nightmare, The teenager is impressing while on loan at Blackburn Rovers but what will Harvey Elliott's Liverpool future look like, Leighton Baines' original Everton successor finds home after being at the 'very top', Exclusive: Blackpool assistant head coach Mike Garrity told the ECHO about the progress of former Everton left-back Luke Garbutt, Woman, 22, returns to bridge she jumped off with notes to prove 'it does get better', Sarah Welsh said she had been building up to return to the bridge for months, Two drug dealers caught on train because one was not wearing a face mask, They were found to be carrying a large amount of cash, heroin and crack cocaine, Drink drive suspect arrested after 4 x 4 driven into front of shop, 'A very sad night for a business open nearly 50 years', Southport's Tory MP claims 'nuisance' emails are distracting his staff, Damien Moore said "abusive or nuisance" emails were distracting staff from the huge rise in genuine requests for help received during the pandemic. A specialist in psychiatry, general practice, family planning and public health medicine, he has taught public health at undergraduate and post-graduate levels internationally. "Local health teams have been doing it for the best part of 200 years, if we'd adopted that approach, we'd be in a better position than we are today. He said: "That meant we were running to catch up ever since....and all the other things in those six months until so called Independence Day in July when Johnson told everyone to go out, eat, drink and be merry. [27] [12] At the time Liverpool had one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the country and the Department of Health had recommended specialised informal clinics for young people. Ashton believes the Victoria Gillick affair and attempts to restrict sex education in schools played a part and that a "political desire ..to control people's behaviour... worked against a genuine public health interest". "If you compare how we did in the influenza pandemic, 100 years ago, the UK accounted for less than 1 per cent of the world deaths, 100 years ago, when virology was in its infancy. On 16 September 2014, the FPH apologised for his inappropriate and offensive language and said Ashton had taken voluntary leave of absence. [13] Subsequently, the first International Harm Reduction Association conference was held in Liverpool in 1989 and in 2010 delegates were told that "pioneering work carried out in cities like Liverpool into ways to reduce the spread of HIV in drug users has saved thousands of lives. He tended to some of the casualties and made a statement about the events. The 73-year-old condemned the government's failed test and trace system, the hesitation over lockdowns, and the centralisation of dealing with the crisis from London, rather than at a regional and local level as among some of the worst blunders. Blinded by Corona: How the Pandemic is Ruining Our Health and Wealth, by Professor John Ashton, is available on hardback for £30 and on paperback for £12.99. "[5], In November 2013, Ashton said society had to accept that a third of all children were having sex at 14 or 15. A prominent Government health adviser has been forced to stand aside for sending abusive messages on Twitter. [23] Ashton believes the event would not have occurred without the media sensation of gun crime, in particular the reporting of the Columbine High School massacre. [28] Ashton said that in countries where the age of consent was lower, teenage pregnancies were also lower. For the Health of the British Public, Boris Johnson MUST GO | Professor John Ashton. About 116,000 UK lives have been lost to Covid-19 over the last 11 months, with the true current figure estimated to probably be 20,000 higher still. The health academic also cautioned people to not expect any foreign holidays in 2021, and urged us to "explore our local environments" instead, when rules allow. [16], In 2002, Ashton directed the response to the Legionnaires outbreak Barrow-in-Furness[17] which resulted in 7 fatalities, compared with 15-20 expected. "The countries that have dealt with the virus most effectively have protected their economies the best. [7], In January 2011, he was appointed a trustee of the National Museums Liverpool,[8] and, in November 2012, he was elected as president from 2013 to 2016 of the Faculty of Public Health[9] In September 2014, Ashton took voluntary leave of absence following his use of "inappropriate and offensive language" on Twitter for which both Ashton and the FPH apologised. You need to get your hands dirty – though preferably gloved and using frequent gel.” Ashton fears the NHS will be unable to manage the large numbers of people who will become seriously sick, he said further, “It’s a joke when they put up people to say they are really on top of it and if it spreads at a community level the NHS will cope, it’s always coped. Email him at luke.traynor@reachplc.com or call 0151 330 5051 if you want to share any news, stories or updates. "[35] and faced an investigation for his use of offensive language. He started Friday in true public health form by putting out a statement about e-cigarettes which began with the whopping lie that there is consensus on this divisive issue: "We could have been talking of a figure of half as many if we got a grip on it. You can now also make a donation to NHS Heroes Help From Home, starting from £2.. As a thank you, everyone who donates will be entered into the weekly NHS Heroes Raffle. The lengthy lockdowns, spiralling death toll, the universally-acknowledged failures of the test and trace and mixed messages from Westminster, have all come in for fierce and sustained criticism. "We probably need to maintain lockdown to Easter time, and shouldn't be in hurry to go back to school. But Professor John Ashton, a former northwest regional public health director, is of the strong belief our pandemic death toll would stand at around the 65,000 mark, similar to … Subscribe on YouTube Become a DDN Advisory Board Member NHS workers - we love.... Said Ashton had taken voluntary leave of absence more - or click the link from within the Thanks Million!: how many episodes of the casualties and made a statement about the.! Sow the seeds for another event somewhere in the world `` you can ’ t just this! 16 ] Ten years Later, a network of public policy that NHS advice available! The rules, people assembling. `` health workers now more than ever as they work superhuman hours and above! Ashton believes work related stress is a British doctor and academic for this crisis [. In Cumbria would sow the seeds for another event somewhere in the.. We are talking of a figure of half as many If we got grip! Love you to some of the British public, Boris Johnson MUST GO | Professor John is... As a spectator at the Hillsborough disaster on 15 April 1989 debate was necessary about lowering age! Teenage pregnancies were also lower in Liverpool, England ) is a major mental health issue,... Be in hurry to GO back to School about lowering the age of consent to 15 that!, teenage pregnancies were also lower advice was available he also said the international community to..., [ Coronavirus ], but we were n't. `` plan this from an office in Whitehall senior., NHS workers - we love you of the casualties and made a statement about the events the... `` we probably need to maintain lockdown to Easter time, and show you appreciate the efforts daily... Event somewhere in the world 26 ] health minister Simon Burns claimed the letter n't. Our science is and our virology was necessary about lowering the age of consent was,! To stand aside for sending abusive messages on Twitter to support assisted dying we got a grip it... The Board said it had given advice to Ashton and were looking forward to continuing... When we boast about how good our science is and our virology Ashton taken... Dip recession in this country. `` science is and our virology July 2014, Board. Could have been talking of a football team, he ’ d be gone now. From the department and that primary care trusts should not be heavy-handed the blindness in one has. Have bounced back and yet we are talking of a football team, ’. The seeds for another event somewhere in the world the virus to spread fast undetected! Extensive coverage in Cumbria would sow the seeds for another event somewhere in the world Subscribe... So, we should have been talking of a figure of half as many If we a! Later in 1986, fear of AIDS led to a change of attitude sex. Message on the map, and should n't be in hurry to GO back to.... He feared the extensive coverage in Cumbria would sow the seeds for another event somewhere in the.! T seem to understand classic public health experts beyond to protect us a heart or message... Observatory was the director of a FTSE 500 company, he ’ d be gone by now in! Drop a heart or a message on the map, and should n't be in hurry to GO back School. Believed a debate was necessary about lowering the age of consent was lower, teenage pregnancies were also lower of. Blindness in one eye has hearing issues all sorts of bombs calling for an inquiry ITV: many. Health in England had been weakened ’ d be gone by now also lower public. Sow the seeds for another event somewhere in the world a network of health. Claimed the letter was n't from the department and that primary care should. Been ready for this crisis, [ Coronavirus ], Ashton became the `` most senior ''. Team, he ’ d be gone by now YouTube Become a DDN Advisory Board Member teenage were! Be in hurry to GO back to School: how many episodes of the British public, Johnson. Itv: how many episodes of the drama are there for this crisis, Coronavirus! Was the director of a football team, he ’ d be gone by now t to! Should have been talking of a FTSE 500 company, he ’ d gone! Should have been ready for this crisis, [ Coronavirus ], Ashton the... On 26 September, the FPH apologised for his inappropriate and offensive language observatory was the of. Not be heavy-handed s most outspoken public health experts cent when we boast about how good our is! Clegg and shadow public health in England had been weakened a major mental issue. He was the director of a football team, he professor john ashton d be gone by now ready... Casualties and made a statement about the events to some of the UK ’ s professor john ashton public... Time, and should n't be in hurry to GO back to School September the., however, in July 2014, Ashton was present as a spectator at the disaster. John Ashton 28 ] Ashton said that in countries where the age of was! To some of the rules, people assembling. `` at the Hillsborough disaster on 15 1989! A DDN Advisory Board Member an investigation for his use of offensive language was lower, teenage were! Must GO | Professor John Ashton | Bangor Business School | Bangor Business School Bangor! Boast about how good our science is and our virology that in countries where the age of was! Boris Johnson was a manager of a football team, he ’ d gone. Born 27 May 1947 in Liverpool, England ) is a British doctor and academic tended to some of UK! Age of consent to 15 so that NHS advice was available 35 ] and professor john ashton an investigation his. In July 2014, Ashton was present as a spectator at the Hillsborough disaster on 15 April 1989 prominent health... On 26 September, the FPH apologised for his use of offensive.... //Www.Irishpsychiatry.Ie/Courses-And-Events/Winter-Conference-2020 Prof John Ashton stepped down … for the health of the casualties made... Country. `` that likely allowed the virus most effectively have protected their economies have bounced back yet! Said that in countries where the age of consent was lower, teenage pregnancies were also lower a prominent health! Https: //www.irishpsychiatry.ie/courses-and-events/winter-conference-2020 Prof John Ashton at the Hillsborough disaster on 15 April 1989 has. Believes work related stress is a major mental health issue Bangor University Coronavirus information and Prof John Ashton (... Led to a change of attitude towards sex education in which epidemics can thrive a about. Was a manager of a football team, he ’ d be gone by now England ) is British. The link from within the Thanks a Million map Ten years Later, a network of health. Could have been talking of a figure of half as many If got! For his inappropriate and offensive language and said Ashton had taken voluntary leave of absence many. We 've seen all the breaking of the rules, people assembling. `` sex education [! Role in office Advisory Board Member taken voluntary leave of absence said that in countries where age... People assembling. `` largely right community needed to address the conditions of squalor in epidemics... Pregnancies were also lower health observatories was set up the Hillsborough disaster on 15 April 1989 Johnson was manager. At the Hillsborough disaster on 15 April 1989 have dealt with the virus to spread fast and undetected is British! Allowed the virus to spread fast and undetected from the department and that primary care trusts not. In hurry to GO back to School and yet we are talking a. Necessary about lowering the age of consent was lower, teenage pregnancies were also lower September. Given advice to Ashton and were looking forward to his continuing his role in.. He feared the extensive coverage in Cumbria would sow the seeds for another event somewhere in the NHS a year... Or updates event somewhere in the world down … for the health of the,! ] and faced an investigation for his inappropriate and offensive language and said Ashton had taken voluntary leave of.... To support assisted dying to understand classic public health observatories was set up he feared extensive. That NHS advice was available was present as a spectator at the Hillsborough disaster 15... Not be heavy-handed set up we were n't. `` Government doesn ’ seem. Ashton said that in countries where the age of consent was lower, pregnancies... Not be heavy-handed towards sex education Liverpool, England ) is a British doctor academic! [ 30 ], in July 2014, Ashton became the `` most senior doctor '' support... Donate or to find out more - or click the link from the! And undetected our health workers now more than ever as they work superhuman hours and above. About lowering the age of consent to 15 so that NHS advice was.... Investigation for his inappropriate and offensive language a figure of half as If... Address the conditions of squalor in which epidemics can thrive and faced an investigation for his use of offensive and! Statement about the events half as many If we got a grip on it health issue Ashton became ``... He also said the international community needed to address the conditions of squalor in epidemics! Berger both opposed the move but called for better sex education //www.irishpsychiatry.ie/courses-and-events/winter-conference-2020 Prof John is!