Then-health minister Daniel Andrews with ICU director Carlos Scheinkestel during a visit to the Alfred Trauma Centre in February 2009.Credit:Melanie Faith Dove
He was taken to hospital for what his office initially said were “precautionary” X-rays.
In a statement Mr Andrews said that a CT scan subsequently revealed a number of broken ribs and “vertebrae damage” that would keep him in intensive care for the next “few days”.
“Cath,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,” he wrote. “For now,we’d like to ask that our family’s privacy is respected.”
Melbourne orthopaedic surgeon John Cunningham was shocked to hear that Mr Andrews was in intensive care and said “in the normal course of events” it would be difficult to imagine him returning to full work duties “for some time to come”.
“I would say that given his age,if he has broken some ribs … he’s probably taken quite a fair tumble. In other words,he’s probably hurt himself more than he’s letting on,” he said.
“He’ll need a lot of analgesia[pain relief] and hopefully a lot of rest. Whether or not it’s managed operatively or non-operatively,I can’t really comment on.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison sent a text message to the Premier expressing support,according to his office,while other political and public figures have taken to social media to give their best wishes.
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Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien said he wished the Premier a “speedy recovery”.
Victorian Parliament will sit next week and it is unlikely the Premier will return in time to attend. National cabinet will next meet on April 9.
Mr Merlino replaced Mr Andrews at a press conference to reveal the government was launching aninquiry into Indigenous disadvantage on Tuesday morning – a landmark announcement that was to be the Premier’s first public appearance since taking three days’ leave from Friday.
Mr Merlino acknowledged Mr Andrews’ absence at the start of the press conference and said the Premier had suffered a “nasty fall” at home.
Mr Merlino said he could not advise exactly when the Premier would return to work “but I know he’s fine and he’s getting some good care as a precaution”.
Mr Merlino takes charge with a decision pending over when Victoria will reopen its hotel quarantine program to international travellers after Mr Andrews blocked flights on February 14.
Quarantine workers have been told to prepare for international arrivals as soon as this Saturday and on Friday said he expected developments “soon”,although Mr Merlino said he had no announcements to make on Tuesday.
With Paul Sakkal