Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has been moved to a specialist trauma centre at The Alfred hospital after a “nasty fall” down wet and slippery steps left him with broken ribs and damaged vertebrae.
The Premier, who fell on his back at a holiday rental on Tuesday morning, was being treated at the Peninsula Private Hospital in Langwarrin. But on Tuesday night, after an MRI, specialists decided to move him to The Alfred.
“This is a precautionary measure to ensure he has the most appropriate care available given the nature of his injuries,” a spokesperson for the Premier said.
Earlier, Mr Andrews’ office issued a statement giving details of the accident and his condition.
“Early this morning, I was admitted to hospital after slipping and falling on wet and slippery stairs,” Mr Andrews said.
“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.”
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.
“I hope to be able to provide another update later this week. James Merlino will serve as Acting Premier while I recover over the next few days. For now, we’d like to ask that our family’s privacy is respected.”