‘No surgery for now’: Daniel Andrews out of intensive care
The Victorian Premier says he’s getting ‘settled in new digs’ after being moved out of ICU, sharing a glimpse into his recovery.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has been moved out of intensive care as he begins his long journey back from a fall.
Mr Andrews has been pictured for the first time since his fall, sharing a photo of himself wearing a back brace as he got “settled into new digs” in a tweet on Saturday night.
“Good to get out of ICU and settled in new digs,” he wrote.
“Thanks for all your messages and well wishes. It really means a lot.”
In an earlier tweet, Mr Andrews said that he would not undergo surgery in the near future as he continues his rehabilitation.
The Alfred Hospital intensive care unit director, Associate Professor Steve McGloughlin, said the premier remained in a stable condition.
“Mr Andrews is comfortable and doing well,” he said.
“There is no plan for surgery at this stage.
Mr Andrews added: “The good news is no surgery for now – but the doctors tell me recovery and rehab is still going to be a very long journey.”
He also thanked the doctors and nurses looking after him.
The good news is no surgery for now – but the doctors tell me recovery and rehab is still going to be a very long journey.
— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) March 13, 2021
Our thanks to the entire team at @AlfredHealth for their care and professionalism.
Like all our health professionals, they are the best of Victoria. pic.twitter.com/8PFxKsUJrh
On Tuesday, Mr Andrews slipped at a holiday home on the Mornington Peninsula, fracturing his T7 vertebrae and breaking several ribs.
He was on Tuesday night transferred to a specialist trauma centre at The Alfred hospital following an MRI.
There are fears Mr Andrews could be out of action for more than a month and his mobility “greatly reduced” after that, according to a spinal trauma surgeon.
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.”
Deputy Premier James Merlino is acting as premier while Mr Andrews recovers.
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.
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