Acting premier filling in for ‘seriously injured’ Dan Andrews gives update on his condition – as experts fear recovery could take months with extensive surgery
- Daniel Andrews spoke to Victoria’s acting premier James Merlino by phone
- Mr Merlino said the premier was ‘up and about’ and receiving the ‘best care’
- Doctors are yet to decide if Mr Andrews will require surgery after serious fall
- Mr Andrews fractured the T7 vertebrae in the middle of his spine and broke ribs
- There is 50 per cent chance Mr Andrews could still require surgery, source says
Victoria’s acting premier has revealed Daniel Andrews is ‘up and about’ in hospital as he faces months of recovery from a fall that caused serious spinal injuries.
Mr Andrews spoke to James Merlino by phone from Alfred Trauma Centre on Thursday, as doctors decide whether the premier will need surgery after fracturing the T7 vertebrae in the middle of his spine and breaking several ribs.
‘He’s fine, he was up and about… but this is the first few days since he suffered this serious injury, so his focus is getting better and the care he needs,’ Mr Merlino said.
Mr Andrews slipped on wet stairs at a Mornington Peninsula holiday rental while getting ready for work on Tuesday morning.
Victoria’s acting premier James Merlino said Daniel Andrews was ‘fine’ and ‘up and about’ after speaking with him by phone on Thursday. Pictured: Mr Andrews and his wife Catherine (left)
‘It was great to touch base with him, make sure he’s okay. It was great to hear his voice,’ Mr Merlino said.
‘This is quite serious but he’s in the best place, getting the best care at Alfred (and) all the love and support of his family.
‘I look forward to his recovery and returning to the job but at the moment, his complete focus needs to be on his recovery.’
Mr Merlino said he would continue to update Victorians on the premier’s condition.
‘Over the next few days we’ll know more in terms of Dan’s treatment plan and his recovery,’ he said.
A government source said there still remains a ’50-50 chance’ Mr Andrews will require surgery on his fractured vertebrae.
However the head of the intensive care unit where Mr Andrews is recovering said there were no immediate plans for him to go under the knife.
Mr Merlino (pictured) revealed Victorians will have a much clearer picture of Mr Andrews’s recovery in the coming days and assured residents they will get regular updates on the premier’s condition
Daniel Andrews fractured his T7 vertebrae (pictured), which is in the middle of his spine after slipping on wet stairs at a Mornington Peninsula holiday rental
The premier could be off work for three months if the operation goes ahead, with his recovery expected to take between six and 12 weeks.
Mr Merlino, who has been deputy premier since 2014, sought to reassure Victorians he would be able to fill Mr Andrews’ shoes for a longer period if required.
‘We made a commitment back in 2014 when we first came into government to not waste a day,’ he said.
‘Government will continue. I’ll be the acting premier, leading cabinet.’
Mr Andrews was initially treated at Peninsula Private Hospital but transferred to Alfred Trauma Centre in Melbourne after specialists assessed an MRI scan.
Associate Professor Steve McGloughlin, the head of the intensive care unit at The Alfred hospital said the premier was ‘comfortable and his pain is well-controlled’.
A government source told AAP there is more than a 50 per cent chance Mr Andrews (pictured) will need surgery to treat his serious injuries sustained in a fall
The head of the intensive care unit at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne has confirmed his injuries are serious but said he is in a stable condition and there are no immediate plans for surgery
A statement from Mr Andrews on Tuesday revealed a series of horrific injuries uncovered by a CT scan (pictured)
‘A multidisciplinary team including intensive care, trauma and orthopaedic specialists has developed a treatment plan, together with the Andrews family,’ Prof McGloughlin said late on Wednesday.
‘Mr Andrews has sustained some serious injuries and his condition is being monitored closely. At this stage there is no immediate plan for surgery.’
He has been cleared of any internal or head injuries.
‘Heartfelt thanks to the entire team at @AlfredHealth for taking such good care of me. We’re so very grateful,’ Mr Andrews tweeted on Wednesday.