Fears over severity of Daniel Andrews’ injury

A speedy recovery for Daniel Andrews looks unlikely, with The Alfred threatening staff if caught accessing his health file.

Premier Daniel Andrews is still facing the prospect of spinal surgery despite state Labor colleagues remaining adamant he will return to the top job following his fall.

Specialists at The Alfred hospital are still evaluating whether Mr Andrews will need surgery to repair his T7 vertebrae, which was fractured as he fell on stairs at a Mornington Peninsula holiday rental.

While surgeons have so far held off operating, it is understood they hold significant concerns for the Premier’s health that may require more extensive action in coming days.

Acting Premier James Merlino on Thursday promised Mr Andrews would return to lead the state.

“I spoke personally with Dan this morning … this is the first few days since he suffered this serious injury, so his focus is getting better and the care he needs,” he said.

Cutting-edge CT and MRI scans can build 3D models able to show which injuries require surgery and those that may recover without the associated risks.

Premier Daniel Andrews had a nasty fall. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

Meanwhile, staff at Alfred Health have been threatened with disciplinary action if caught accessing the Premier’s health file.

Management at the hospital, where Mr Andrews has been since Tuesday, have written to staff warning that they would take a zero tolerance approach to any unauthorised access to patient files.

“Unauthorised means that you are not directly responsible for the care of a given patient,” the warning said.

It is understood that there has not yet been a breach of the Premier’s privacy, but that hospital management are on high alert because of the huge public interest in the high profile patient.

The message was sent to staff on Wednesday morning.

“Although we recognise your adherence to patient confidentiality, just a gentle reminder to all our staff that Alfred Health has a zero tolerance approach to unauthorised access to patient medical records,” it read.

“All logins to patient records … are recorded, traceable and are being actively monitored, so unauthorised access can be followed up.

“Disciplinary action has previously been taken against staff who have accessed medical histories of high profile patients”.

PREMIER ‘LUCKY’ INJURIES WEREN’T WORSE

The Herald Sun can reveal there are significant concerns regarding the thoracic area of Mr Andrews’ spine, after he fractured his T7 vertebrae.

He also suffered left and right rib fractures.

It is understood the initial focus was on the ribs and whether his lungs had been punctured, but concern quickly moved to his spine following CAT scans.

The vertebrae injury is considered very serious and surgery would have likely involve adding reinforcing screws and pins.

Doctors on Wednesday night ruled out immediate surgery, but the Herald Sun understands further assessments will be made later this week.

“On the advice of clinicians at The Alfred, there are no immediate plans for surgery,” a spokeswoman said.

A final decision might not be made until the weekend, with the Premier expected to be off work for some time.

It is understood the nature and seriousness of Mr Andrews’ injuries could evolve rapidly.

The Alfred’s director of ICU Associate Professor Steve McGloughlin said in a statement Mr Andrews had sustained “serious injuries”.

The Premier is recuperating at The Alfred, one of Melbourne's major trauma centres. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Andrew Henshaw

“Mr Andrews is comfortable and his pain is well controlled,” Prof McGloughlin said.

“A multidisciplinary team including intensive care, trauma and orthopaedic specialists has developed a treatment plan, together with the Andrews family.”

Orthopaedic surgeon John Cunningham said fractures of the thoracic spine could cause people to become a paraplegic, “so in many ways he is lucky”.

He said he expected the Premier’s pain to last three to six months.

Mr Andrews’ wife Cath has been back and forth between the hospital and the Andrews home where his children and family are ­understood to be quite distressed.

Deputy Premier James Merlino is expected to continue as acting premier for now but no longer term decisions have been made.

Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the Premier was “in good spirits”.

“Cath and the kids are absolutely feeling well supported and are thankful that he is in the very best of hands,” she said.

Scott Morrison wished Mr Andrews “all the best” for his recovery.

“I sent him a text to see how he was going,” the Prime Minister said.

“I haven’t heard back from him. I imagine he’s been a bit busy. I wish him all the best.”

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Originally published as Fears over severity of Daniel Andrews’ injury