Orthopaedic surgeon says Dan Andrews’ mobility to be ‘greatly reduced’, could be out of action for weeks - NEWS.com.au

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews could be out of action for more than a month and his mobility “greatly reduced” after that, according to a spinal trauma surgeon.

It comes after the Premier slipped down the stairs while getting ready for work on Tuesday morning.

He was taken to hospital where it was revealed he had broken several ribs and damaged his spine and was last night transferred to a specialist trauma centre at The Alfred hospital following an MRI.

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr John Cunningham – while not Mr Andrews’s doctor – said based on the description of the Premier’s injuries he would expect him to be out of action for weeks.

“I’m very sorry this has happened to Dan – it’s a tragic accident,” he told NCA NewsWire.

“From what I’ve heard of his injuries I think he’ll be in a lot of pain and discomfort for some weeks to come.

“It may depend on whether he requires a brace or an operation on his back, but I expect as the injuries have been described to me that this accident will leave him with greatly reduced mobility.”

Dr Cunningham – who has operated at the Royal Melbourne hospital for 10 years – suspected the Premier’s injuries to be “worse off than first thought” following his transfer to the specialist trauma centre at the Alfred.

“Anyone in Victoria with the most significant spinal injuries comes to either two trauma centres in Melbourne, and they are the Alfred or the Royal Melbourne,” he said.

Minister for environment Lily D’Ambrosio said on Wednesday the Premier was “in good spirits”

“He is getting the best of care, and has great support in Cath and the kids,” she said.

Earlier, Mr Andrews’ office issued a statement that provided initial details of the accident and his condition.

“Early this morning, I was admitted to hospital after slipping and falling on wet and slippery stairs,” the Premier said.

“A CT scan has revealed several broken ribs and vertebrae damage, and subsequent medical advice has recommended I remain in intensive care for the next few days.”

Mr Andrews said he, his wife Catherine and his children were “extremely grateful to the Ambulance Victoria paramedics who showed such care and kindness to our family this morning, as we are to the clinicians who have taken care of me today”.

“Our warm and sincere thanks go to the many family members, friends, colleagues and Victorians who have sent messages of love and support throughout the day. Thank you,” he said.

“I hope to be able to provide another update later this week. James Merlino will serve as Acting Premier while I recover over the next few days. For now, we’d like to ask that our family’s privacy is respected.”

anthony.piovesan@news.com.au

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2021-03-10 00:22:55Z
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