Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has been discharged from hospital to begin a "significant" period of rehabilitation at home for a spinal injury that will see him on leave for "at least six weeks".
Mr Andrews suffered broken ribs and a fractured T7 vertebra after slipping on wet stairs at a holiday home on the Mornington Peninsula on 9 March.
In a statement released on Monday, he said it had been a "long, painful and difficult week" and said he would be on leave for "at least six weeks".
"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," Mr Andrews said.
"I narrowly avoided permanent damage to my spinal cord.
"These are serious injuries that require me to wear a brace throughout each day except when sleeping.
"My doctors also want me to get rest and undertake a comprehensive program of physiotherapy. That’s why I will take a leave of absence from my duties for at least six weeks."
Deputy Premier James Merlino, who also holds the education and mental health portfolios, is acting premier in Mr Andrews' absence.
The premier said he would be in regular contact with his ministerial colleagues throughout his leave but said that rest was his priority.
"It’s important that I take this rest and recovery seriously as one trauma specialist said to Cath and I last week, ‘you very narrowly avoided a life-changing injury, you should buy a Tattslotto ticket, you are very lucky to be here in one piece'," he said.
"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 added.
Doctors at The Alfred hospital's trauma centre, where the 48-year-old has been recovering, confirmed he was discharged on Monday morning.
The hospital's director of trauma services Mark Fitzgerald said the team of specialists caring for the premier was pleased with his progress, but warned the road to recovery will be long.
"Mr Andrews has responded well without surgery so far, and the work to improve his strength and mobility must now begin," Professor Fitzgerald said in a statement.
"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."
Professor Fitzgerald said while Mr Andrews did not need surgery at this time, it may be required at some point.
"Any deterioration may lead to a need for surgery down the track, however we are gradually progressing in the right direction at this time," he said.
His rehabilitation will be done at home through the hospital's Better@Home service.
