Mushroom poisoning: Ian Wilkinson released from hospital after Leongatha lunch

Ian Wilkinson has been released from hospital after spending weeks recovering from a poisonous mushroom lunch that claimed the lives of three others including his wife.

The 68-year-old’s family confirmed on Saturday he was now making ‘significant progress’ at home after being discharged from the Austin Hospital in Melbourne. 

‘This milestone marks a moment of immense relief and gratitude for Ian and the entire Wilkinson family,’ they said.

‘The Wilkinson family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Leongatha, Dandenong and Austin Hospitals for their unwavering dedication and exceptional care that played a pivotal role in Ian’s recovery. 

‘The medical team’s expertise and compassion have been a source of comfort and hope throughout this journey.’

The family also thanked the local community including members of the church and other loved ones.

‘This collective kindness has been a pillar of strength for Ian and the family, reinforcing the sense of unity and compassion that defines our community,’ they said. 

Pastor Wilkinson was the only person to survive the poisonous beef wellington dished up on July 29 by stay-at-home mum Erin Patterson in Leongatha, Victoria.

Mr Wilkinson, his wife Heather, 66, and her sister Gail and husband Don Patterson had been invited over for lunch as part of a ‘mediation’ gathering to discuss Ms Patterson’s relationship with her estranged husband Simon, who pulled out at the last minute. 

Ian Wilkinson and Heather Wilkinson (both pictured). Ian Wilkinson has been released from hospital after spending weeks recovering from a poisonous mushroom lunch that claimed the lives of three others including his wife

The above family tree shows the connections between the Pattersons and Wilkinsons embroiled in the unusual poisoning tragedy in Leongatha

The Pattersons, both aged 70, and Ms Wilkinson died days later. 

Daily Mail Australia revealed last month Mr Wilkinson only likely survived because he was rushed to a hospital known for its expertise in treating patients suffering from poisonings. 

A hospital insider told Daily Mail Australia said that Mr Wilkinson had been transported to the Austin Hospital – recognised as the go-to hospital for Victoria’s most critically ill patients – for one specific reason that likely saved his life. 

‘The Austin was not the natural hospital to go to. From Leongatha the closest hospital is Monash Medical Centre – that’s where they normally go. They’ve basically gone to the hospital the farthest away they could,’ the source said. 

Erin Patterson is pictured outside her home days after serving the killer meal

Erin’s former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson (pictured) died a week after attending the lunch

‘The main intensive care unit, and you need the best, you go to The Alfred or Royal Melbourne. They haven’t done that either. The state’s poison centre is at the Austin, so that’s why he’s gone there. 

‘That says they’re more interested in dealing with the mushrooms than the intensive care part of it.’

Erin Patterson had earlier told police that the mushrooms used in the lunch were a mixture of button mushrooms bought from a supermarket and dried mushrooms bought from an Asian supermarket in Melbourne months earlier. 

The homicide squad is investigating the incident. 

Erin has denied any wrongdoing and Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting she intentionally poisoned her four relatives.