Erin Patterson 'didn't look unwell' like other lunch guests, nurse tells mushroom murder trial
The focus of Ms Patterson's triple-murder trial today shifted to the medical care she received in the aftermath of the lunch on July 29, 2023.
The trial of Erin Patterson, who stands accused of using a poisoned meal to murder three relatives, continues.
Look back at how Wednesday's court proceedings unfolded in our
To chart the people, events and evidence in the case, read our
The Supreme Court, sitting in Morwell, heard Ms Patterson's condition around midday on July 31 appeared to be significantly different from the four other lunch guests.
By that stage, Don and Gail Patterson and Heather and Ian Wilkinson had all been admitted to hospitals with severe vomiting and diarrhoea.
"She didn't look unwell like Ian and Heather," Leongatha hospital nurse Cindy Munro said.
Ian Wilkinson, the sole surviving guest of the lunch, took to the witness box earlier this week.
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AAP: Joel Carrett
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"I recall Ian being so unwell he could barely lift his head off the pillow.
"Erin was sitting up in the bed in the trolley and she didn't look unwell to me."
At the time, Ms Munro said, Ms Patterson was hesitant about receiving intravenous fluids and liver-protecting medication.
"Erin sort of stressed she didn't want any of this," Ms Munro said.
Ms Munro said medical staff were concerned the lunch attendees were suffering from mushroom poisoning, and were worried Ms Patterson's two children had been exposed to the toxins after eating some of the leftovers.
"At that stage she said, 'No, no I scraped off all the mushroom' and the children were not unwell," Ms Munro said.
Photo shows
An illustration of Erin Patterson with her face inside the shape of a mushroom.
The ABC's Mushroom Case Daily podcast brings you all the key updates from court involving accused triple murderer Erin Patterson, and an allegedly poisonous mushroom lunch.
"She didn't want to cause any hassle. She didn't want to take them out of school and that was when she became quite teary, quite worried."
Ms Munro said she warned Ms Patterson it was possible toxins could have seeped into the meat eaten by the children.
Eventually, Ms Patterson agreed to having the children checked out.
Earlier on Thursday, doctor Veronica Foote told the court Ms Patterson had discharged herself from the hospital on July 31 after a five-minute stay.
Ms Patterson's decision, against medical advice, prompted another concerned doctor to call police when she failed to return in an agreed 20-minute window.
Dr Foote said she formed the view Ms Patterson was moderately dehydrated and appeared to have a gastro illness, after having a conversation with her and performing a physical examination.
Photo shows
A woman standing in front of her car.
The six-week murder trial of Erin Patterson is underway in the regional Victorian town of Morwell. Here's what we know so far about the case, based on material put to the jury.
Later, after Ms Patterson was transported to Monash hospital in Clayton, she was visited by Tanya Patterson, the wife of her brother-in-law.
"She said she was feeling nauseous and dizzy and tired," Tanya Patterson said.
Tayna Patterson said Ms Patterson inquired about the welfare of the other lunch guests, with Tanya telling her they were "going downhill quickly".
"She told me she knew Don and Gail were in a coma," Tanya Patterson said.
Tanya Patterson said the conversation then shifted to Ms Patterson wanting to take her children on a boat cruise.
A toxicologist then entered the room and informed Ms Patterson that her potassium levels were "fine", Tanya Patterson said.
"I stayed and heard the toxicologist say Erin was fine and well enough to go home," she said.
Ms Patterson has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murders of Don and Gail Patterson, and Heather Wilkinson, all members of her estranged husband's family. She also denies a charge of attempted murder regarding Ian Wilkinson, the only lunch guest to survive.
Ian Wilkinson (left) was the sole surviving guest of the lunch.
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Supplied
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Prosecutors allege Ms Patterson deliberately poisoned the group with death cap mushrooms in the main course of the lunch, a beef Wellington.
Senior Constable Adrian Martinez-Villalobis told the court he'd been dispatched to Ms Patterson's Leongatha house to find leftovers of the meal.
He called Ms Patterson in hospital, who directed him to a bin outside the property. The officer said he put on two sets of gloves, found the remnants at the bottom of the bin in a paper bag, and took it to the Leongatha hospital.
"She was cooperative throughout," he said of Ms Patterson.
The trial continues.
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