Daniel Andrews delays return to work until June following back injury

Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed he will not return to work until at least June to fully recover from a spinal injury last month.

After falling at a beach house on the Mornington Peninsula on March 9, Mr Andrews said he would take a leave of absence for at least six weeks.

On Sunday, Mr Andrews said that although his physiotherapy was progressing well, it was clear he would not be able to return to work before the May state budget.

Mr Andrews pictured at home wearing a spinal brace with his daughter.Credit: Daniel Andrews (Twitter)

“The good news is my team of specialists are confident that I will be back in June,” Mr Andrews said in an update posted on social media.

Mr Andrews said he was “making slow and steady progress”, but there was no short-cut to recovery.

“A couple of weeks ago when I started daily walks, I could only manage about 15 minutes – now I’m out for almost an hour.

“You only get one chance to properly recover from serious injuries and while it’s frustrating to be away from work, there is no alternative.

“We just have to wait until the ribs and spinal fracture have properly healed.”

Mr Andrews broke at least five ribs on his left and right sides and fractured his T7 vertebra in the fall.

The T7 is the seventh thoracic vertebra, found in the middle of the chest between the seventh and eighth pairs of ribs. It plays important roles in the support of the spinal cord, ribcage and muscles of the chest.

Mr Andrews has been recovering at home since March 15 when he was discharged from The Alfred hospital. He is required to wear a back brace and do physiotherapy exercises each day.

Mr Andrews thanked acting Premier James Merlino for his support and “all the team who are working so hard and doing so well”.

“And, of course another big thank you to the health professionals who are looking after me.“

Mr Andrews said he was heartened by messages of support from his constituents since the fall.

“Above all, thanks to all those Victorians who have sent messages of love and support – it means a lot,” he said.

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