Daniel Andrews in trauma care after fall

Daniel Andrews was transferred to Victoria’s leading trauma centre after damaging his vertebrae and breaking several ribs in a heavy fall

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews was taken to hospital after a fall on Tuesday morning. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

A seriously injured Daniel Andrews was transferred to Victoria’s leading trauma centre on Tuesday night after damaging his vertebrae and breaking several ribs in a heavy fall that required hospitalisation in intensive care.

Colleagues are concerned the Victorian Premier could face a lengthy period away from work after falling on the stairs of a holiday house, smashing his back and ribs, but will not know how long until further tests are taken.

Mr Andrews was moved from a private intensive care unit on the Mornington Peninsula late on Tuesday amid concerns about the severity of his ¬injuries. Sources said Mr Andrews fell on his back while negotiating a wet step, prompting him to be rushed to hospital. “This is a precautionary measure to ensure he has the most appropriate care available, given the nature of his injuries,” a spokeswoman said.

Mr Andrews was being moved to the trauma centre after doctors examined MRI scans.

He will likely be in intensive care for several days, where further tests will be conducted and painkillers administered after the mishap on Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne.

The government is unsure when he will return, but ribs can take weeks to heal and are notoriously painful. Back injuries can have longer term implications.

“It could be a week, it could be longer. We don’t know,” one government source said.

Mr Andrews was due on Tuesday to announce an independent commission into the history of injustice suffered by Indigenous people but — after his fall at the rental accommodation home — his appearance at the press conference was cancelled.

“Early this morning, I was admitted to hospital after slipping and falling on wet and slippery stairs,” Mr Andrews said in a statement on Tuesday.

“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,” he said.

“Cath (his wife), the kids and I are 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.”

The back and rib injuries were exacerbated by the swift nature of the accident, with Mr Andrews apparently unable to break the fall, taking a direct hit to the back.

Multiple sources said there was no suggestion the fall would prevent his return to work.

Mr Andrews also received messages of support from Scott Morrison and Victorian Liberal leader Michael O’Brien.

Deputy Premier James Merlino was uncertain of the exact seriousness of the injuries when he forced at short notice to step into the role of Acting Premier.

“He didn’t hit his head, no head injuries, so he is fine in that respect,” he said. “I expect he will be on his feet shortly, I can’t say exactly when that will be but I know he is fine and getting some good care as a precaution.”

“He is going to hospital for some precautionary X-rays.”

“Our warm and sincere thanks go to the many family members, friends, colleagues and Victorians who have sent messages of love and support,” Mr Andrews said.

Victorian parliament is due to sit next week.