Kylie Ashton Uncertain on Who Suggested Erin Patterson Go to Hospital, Court Hears
Kylie Ashton recounted her interactions with Erin Patterson on July 31, just two days after a lunch gathering. According to court statements, Erin was found seated near the nurse’s station in a hospital.
Ashton questioned Erin about her reason for visiting the hospital, recalling Erin’s account of having consumed the shared meal, which resulted in severe nausea and diarrhea, though she didn’t actually vomit.
Ashton mentioned that someone had advised Erin to go to the hospital, but she was unclear on who it was. Additionally, Ashton had informed Erin that she might need n-acetylcysteine to safeguard her liver.
Prosecution Calls Kylie Ashton as Witness
Kylie Ashton, a nurse director at Gippsland Southern Health Service in July 2023, provided testimony in court. On July 31, she was working at Leongatha Hospital.
Dr. Veronica Foott Discusses Erin Patterson’s Condition
Dr. Veronica Foott continued her testimony regarding Erin. Under cross-examination, Foott confirmed that Erin showed symptoms of diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain during her visit to the hospital.
Furthermore, Foott was asked about Erin’s elevated blood pressure and agreed that Erin seemed to be experiencing something akin to a gastrointestinal illness. She also advised Erin to test her children for potential poisoning, noting concerns related to leftovers from the meal prepared.
Foott discussed various treatments administered to Erin, which included IV fluids and antibiotics, alongside the initiation of n-acetylcysteine before moving her to Monash Medical Center. Foott acknowledged the possibility that Erin might require a liver transplant.
Continuation of Dr. Foott’s Testimony
Dr. Foott, who served as a GP at Leongatha Hospital in July 2023, continued to provide evidence. Under questioning from Erin’s lawyer, Colin Mandy SC, she confirmed that Erin was discharged at 8:10 AM on July 31 and indicated her intent to return soon.
Mandy suggested that there had already been discussions regarding the potential for Erin to be transferred to a larger hospital in Melbourne, to which Foott acknowledged while admitting she couldn’t recall if she shared this information directly with Erin. Erin did, however, return to the hospital at 9:48 AM on the same day.
Judge Requests Continuation of Evidence
The judge expressed the need for the prosecution to proceed with presenting more evidence.
Summary of Previous Day’s Proceedings
As the trial awaited its next session, a summary outlined key points from the prior day’s testimonies, including:
- Erin was discharged from Leongatha Hospital shortly after being informed about the risks of mushroom poisoning.
- Upon her return, concerns were raised regarding her children’s exposure to leftover food suspected to be toxic.
- In a phone call on July 31, Erin informed her brother-in-law about where the mushrooms for the meal had been sourced.
- A health official stated that there were no records indicating Erin had a cancer diagnosis.
- Erin’s daughter noted that Erin had reported feeling okay following the lunch.
Welcome to Day Eight of the Trial
As day eight of Erin Patterson’s trial commenced, expectations were set for further testimonies. Patterson, who is 50, stands accused of attempted murder related to a lunch served at her home, leading to the tragic deaths of her in-laws and an estranged relative. She maintains her innocence, asserting the incident was accidental and not intentional.
