Doctor who exposed mushroom murderer Erin Patterson closes rural clinic, cites risk of ‘financial oblivion’

The doctor who first alerted police about mushroom murderer Erin Patterson is closing down his local practice to avoid “financial oblivion”. Dr Chris Webster treated two of Patterson’s guests, Ian and Heather Wilkinson, after the fateful meal, and he had arranged a transfer to a bigger hospital when the mother-of-two walked in. Patterson presented herself to emergency and said she had gastro. The doctor was quick to put puzzle pieces together, knowing three patients were being treated for suspected poisoning. He questioned Patterson and told her they needed to commence treatment on her for potential poisoning, prompting Patterson to leave the hospital. Patterson was later convicted of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, and sentenced to a minimum 33-year non-parole period. She maintains her innocence and is appealing. During an interview with The Herald Sun last year, Dr Webster called Patterson a “disturbed sociopathic nut bag” and even a “crazy b***h,” among other statements. The series of comments resulted in punishment from Australia’s medical regulator. Dr Webster was forced to complete ethics training and was no longer allowed to supervise training GPs. In an interview with the Herald Sun, Dr Webster revealed why he chose to close down the rural clinic. He said it was both the lack of support from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and a refusal from colleagues to limit bulk billing that was putting his practice on the road to “financial oblivion”. The doctor said he would like to look at opening a “boutique” practice, for patients that approved his “compassion and skill,” he told the masthead “It will be a radically downsized clinic,” Dr Webster said. “I’ve got the community’s back and they’ve got mine. My books are always open,” he said. Leongatha Healthcare appear to have limited phone calls but are accepting appointments via HotDoc until early March. A spokesperson from the clinic also made contact with the Herald Sun. “There are a number of complex issues underlying the current situation, including longstanding concerns raised by staff and clinicians regarding workplace safety and governance,” the spokesperson said. Dr Webster and Leongatha Healthcare have been contacted for comment.