Victoria Premier transferred to trauma ward after shocking fall
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews has been transferred to a specialist trauma facility after falling on stairs on Tuesday morning.
Mr Andrews was admitted to intensive care at the Peninsula Private Hospital after he broke several ribs and damaged vertebrae when he slipped on wet stairs at a holiday rental on the Mornington Peninsula.
He was staying at the property over the long weekend and was preparing to return to work when he fell in what has been described as a "nasty" fall.
A state government spokesperson said the move to the Alfred Trauma Centre was a "precautionary measure" given the extent of his injuries.
"The premier and his family thank the dedicated staff at Ambulance Victoria, Peninsula and the Alfred for their professionalism and care," the spokesperson said in a statement.
Mr Andrews plans to remain in hospital for a few days on medical advice before providing an update on his health later in the week.
Injuries cast doubt on Dan Andrews' return to parliament
The seriousness of his injuries has cast doubt over his return to parliament when it sits next week.
Sources say Mr Andrews could need several weeks off to recover, the Herald Sun reported.
In his absence, Deputy Premier James Merlino will serve as acting premier.
Mr Andrews cemented himself as a household name across Australia over the past 12 months as Victoria battled a daunting second wave of infection during the coronavirus pandemic.
During the outbreak, he fronted 120 consecutive daily press conferences.
He has been the leader of the Victorian Labor party since 2010 and premier since 2014.
Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien wished the premier a speedy recovery on Twitter.
On Tuesday, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt was also admitted to hospital after contracting an infection.
His hospitalisation comes as fellow federal ministers Christian Porter and Linda Reynolds are away on mental health leave amid separate rape allegation scandals.
With AAP
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