Investigated medical professional linked to the case of notorious mushroom poisoner Erin Patterson faces Disciplinary Action for Blunt Remarks
Dr. Chris Webster, a renowned medical professional, has found himself at the centre of a recent controversy. In July, accusations of misogynistic behaviour were levelled against him. However, Dr. Webster has vehemently denied these allegations and vowed to clear his name.
The controversy arose from a complaint that Dr. Webster discussed a patient, Erin Patterson, in an inappropriate manner. The discussion involved referring to Ms. Patterson as "a patient of mine." This incident prompted the Medical Board of Australia to take action.
In response to the allegations, the Medical Board ordered Dr. Webster to undertake training to ensure the appropriate use and disclosure of private and confidential information, manage and respond to requests for private and confidential information, adhere to professionalism and ethics, and maintain professional communication. The ruling also includes education on Dr. Webster's use of social media.
The training comes after Dr. Webster provided key evidence for the prosecution against Erin Patterson at trial. The victims, Don Patterson, Gail Patterson, and Heather Wilkinson, died after consuming death cap mushrooms served in beef Wellingtons during lunch at Erin Patterson's Leongatha home on July 29, 2023. Pastor Ian Wilkinson was the only survivor of the lunch.
Dr. Webster's actions after the lunch were praised worldwide for his decisive actions. He called triple-0 and the call was played to the jury. He also asked police to perform a welfare check at Patterson's home and even requested some leftover beef Wellington from the scene.
In a strange turn of events, Dr. Webster encountered Patterson again at the hospital before 10am the same day. He also made three calls to Erin Patterson's mobile after learning she had been exposed to death cap mushrooms.
Following the controversy, Dr. Webster was also subjected to a regulatory review by the German regulatory authority Bundesnetzagentur (Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railways), which oversees the enforcement of court blocking orders related to internet content. The review was prompted by allegations against his comments in a hearing, and he faced possible sanctions depending on the examination outcome.
In addition to the training, Dr. Webster has also been ordered to undertake mentoring. This includes five one-hour sessions on a monthly basis. The medical professional has expressed relief that the case has been dealt with and is able to return to his normal life. He has also been gagged from future media engagement for a short term, having engaged a lawyer to handle the matter.
