Helen Haines Stable After Double Amputation
The federal MP from the Victorian seat of Indi has been upgraded to serious but stable condition days after a vehicle struck her in Wangaratta.
By Lorenzo Evans ·
Independent federal MP Helen Haines is in a serious but stable condition, according to an update released by The Alfred hospital in Melbourne on Saturday morning. Haines lost both legs in a vehicle incident near her electorate office in north-east Victoria on Monday afternoon. Her condition was previously described as critical but stable.
Surgeons at the scene initially attempted to save Haines’s right leg, but the severity of the injuries required the amputation of both lower limbs. Her husband, Phil Haines, provided an update outside the hospital on Wednesday. He described his wife’s heart and mind as being in good shape, noting her sharp intellect and compassionate nature.
Police charged Brendan Nugent, 43, from Tarrawingee, on Tuesday. He faces charges of dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a commonwealth public official. Court documents indicate he was later charged with cultivating and possessing cannabis. Nugent appeared at Wangaratta magistrates court on Wednesday and did not apply for bail.
The incident has sparked national discussion regarding the security of elected officials and the intensity of political debate. In Western Australia, police charged a 56-year-old man after he allegedly threatened staff and wielded nunchucks at the office of state minister Hannah Beazley, days after the Wangaratta incident. This parallel event has drawn attention to safety protocols in regional political offices across the country.
Haines’s team posted a social media update on Friday stating they hope to reopen her electorate offices next Thursday. The post acknowledged that many staff witnessed the incident and provided immediate assistance. The team asked for understanding as they focus on recovery in the coming days and weeks.
More than $730,000 has been raised for Save the Children in Haines’s honour. Her husband encouraged supporters to donate to the charity’s special appeal while she recovers. The team described the response from the local community and international supporters as overwhelming.
A community vigil was held in Wodonga on Wednesday evening after news of the double amputation emerged. Cathy McGowan, the former member for Indi, spoke at the event and described the community’s response as mixed emotions.
Source: The Guardian
