Premier Daniel Andrews discharged from hospital after fall

Daniel Andrews has revealed just how close he came to suffering catastrophic spinal damage after falling on slippery stairs.

Premier Daniel Andrews has revealed he narrowly avoided permanent spinal cord damage.

The Premier issued a statement on Monday confirming he won’t return to work for six weeks and detailing the gravity of his injuries for the first time.

He said the fall last Tuesday broke five ribs and caused a compressed vertebra fracture.

“I narrowly avoided permanent damage to my spinal cord,” Mr Andrews said.

He said he was pleased to finally return home after a six-day hospital stay.

“It’s been a long, painful and difficult week,” Mr Andrews said.

“As you know, at around 6.30am last Tuesday, I fell heavily on wooden steps at the front of a rental beach house that our family had been staying at for the long weekend.

Premier Daniel Andrews broke five ribs and suffered a compressed vertebra fracture. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett.

“I landed flat on my back and hit the steps hard directly below the shoulder blades fracturing at least five ribs and sustaining an acute compression fracture of the T7 vertebra.

“These are serious injuries that require me to wear a brace throughout each day except when sleeping.”

Mr Andrews has since been discharged from hospital, but faces a long recovery at home after his debilitating fall.

Mr Andrews said doctors also wanted him to undertake a comprehensive program of physiotherapy.

It would require a leave of absence for at least six weeks.

“Of course, I will remain in regular contact with James and my other colleagues and staff,” he said.

“I want to make special mention of the Ambulance Victoria paramedics, the entire team of staff at Peninsula Private and Alfred Health from trauma specialists to spinal surgeons, cooks and cleaners and everyone in between.

“I’m grateful to be a Victorian patient and proud of our Victorian health system.”

Mr Andrews said a trauma specialist remarked that he had “narrowly avoided a life-changing injury” adding: “you should buy a Tattslotto ticket, you are very lucky to be here in one piece”.

“I’m not sure about the Tattslotto ticket but I’m certain that with rest, continued high quality care and the support of family, friends, colleagues and the Victorian community, I’ll be back doing the job I love as soon as possible,” he said.

Mr Andrews said deputy James Merlino would continue his role as Acting Premier.

The Alfred Hospital. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

HOW IT UNFOLDED

Mr Andrews was first admitted to the Peninsula Private Hospital after slipping on wet stairs in the Mornington Peninsula last Tuesday, before being transferred to The Alfred trauma centre as a “precautionary measure” after further scans.

Mr Andrews is now set to undergo a “significant” period of rehabilitation after suffering spinal injuries and broken ribs.

The Alfred’s director of trauma services Professor Mark Fitzgerald said doctors were on high alert for any deterioration in the Premier’s condition.

“Mr Andrews has responded well without surgery so far, and the work to improve his strength and mobility must now begin,” Prof Fitzgerald said.

Daniel Andrews tweeted this picture, thanking his supporters for their well wishes.

“As the rehabilitation journey gets underway, we will watch closely for any signs of worsening spinal stability or alignment, as well as the development of other complications.”

He also added that Mr Andrews’ injuries could be treated without surgery — but he would need to wear a brace.

“When upright, a brace is worn to stabilise the spine, maintain alignment, and help to control pain. Physiotherapy treatment is key at this time,” Prof Fitzgerald said.

“Any deterioration may lead to a need for surgery down the track, however we are gradually progressing in the right direction at this time.”

Transport infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said it was heartening to see the Premier would be leaving hospital.

“He’s obviously still got a journey ahead but he’s recovering strongly and we continue to wish him all the very best,” she said.

“We’ll hold the fort in parliament this week while he continues his important focus on his recovery.”

Ms Allan said she had messaged Mr Andrews to wish him well.

“Any of us who have been through experiences like this know that the important contact you want to have is with your family, your loved ones and your medical specialists,” she said.

“I’ve sent him a couple of messages of really strong support.

“I might have even sent him a couple of pictures of some of the work sites I’ve been on as well to show him the progress that’s going on.”

Ms Allan said Mr Andrews was committed to his recovery and entrusting the Acting Premier and others to keep running the state.

“Daniel does love his job and a has a great passionate, commitment to everything that we do across the Victorian Government,” she said;

“I’m sure there are parts of him that are keeping an eye on us.

“But also too he’s sensible (and) he knows that’s important to focus on his health.”

PREMIER TO MISS NATIONAL CABINET

Mr Andrews is expected to miss national cabinet next month after suffering a fall last week, acting premier James Merlino said on the weekend.

Mr Merlino said he had no further updates on exactly how long the Premier would be on sick leave but was “very pleased” he has moved wards.

“It was great to see him out of ICU,” he said.

He said Mr Andrews had a long recovery ahead of him, putting his attendance at national cabinet next month in doubt.

Under current rules, premiers cannot send a proxy in their place to the federal meeting, meaning Mr Merlino would be unable to represent Victoria.

But Mr Merlino said in these “particular circumstances”, where he expects to be acting premier for “some time”, the rules will likely change.

He said they are having discussions with the federal government to allow him to represent Mr Andrews at the meeting.

Good to get out of ICU and settled in new digs.

Thanks for all your messages and well wishes. It really means a lot. pic.twitter.com/ujdm3WJ3a9

— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) March 13, 2021

It comes as Mr Andrews on Saturday shared an image of himself from his hospital bed.

He posted the picture to Instagram and Twitter on Saturday night, thanking those who had sent their well wishes.

“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 the picture, the Premier was in his hospital bed wearing a back brace and appeared to be getting his blood pressure measured by a masked nurse.

The Premier took to social media on Saturday afternoon to share an update on his health condition.

“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 said on Twitter.

“Our thanks to the entire team at @AlfredHealth for their care and professionalism.

“Like all our health professionals, they are the best of Victoria.”

— With Brianna Travers and Sophie Welsh

Originally published as Premier Daniel Andrews discharged from hospital after fall