Alfred Hospital: Haines Stable After Alleged Wangaratta Vehicle Strike

Independent MP Helen Haines is now in serious but stable condition after undergoing bilateral leg amputation. Her status had previously been listed as critical but stable.

A spokesperson for The Alfred hospital in Melbourne issued the update Saturday morning. "The patient is in a serious but stable condition at The Alfred on Saturday morning," the spokesperson said. Haines, who represents Indi, was struck by a car in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon. Surgeons initially attempted to save her right leg, but the severity of injuries required amputation of both legs.

Her husband, Phil Haines, spoke outside the hospital Wednesday. He said "both her heart and her mind are in good shape." He described her heart as "huge" and said she has "the sharpest intellect."

Police charged Brendan Nugent, 43, of Tarrawingee, on Tuesday with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and the commonwealth offence of causing harm to a commonwealth public official. Court documents show two further offences were added: cultivating and possessing cannabis. Nugent appeared at Wangaratta magistrates court Wednesday and did not apply for bail.

Haines's staff said in a Friday social media post they hope to reopen her electorate offices next Thursday. The post noted that many staff witnessed Monday's incident and some were among the first to help her. More than $730,000 has been raised for Save the Children in Haines's honour after her husband encouraged donations to the charity's special appeal. A community vigil for Haines was held in Wodonga Wednesday evening. Cathy McGowan, Haines's predecessor as member for Indi, said at the event that the community was dealing with "mixed emotions." In Western Australia, police charged a 56-year-old man after he allegedly threatened staff and wielded nunchucks at the electoral office of state local government minister Hannah Beazley.

Haines's staff said in a Friday social media post they hope to reopen her electorate offices next Thursday. The post noted that many staff witnessed Monday's incident and some were among the first to help her. More than $730,000 has been raised for Save the Children in Haines's honour after her husband encouraged donations to the charity's special appeal. A community vigil for Haines was held in Wodonga Wednesday evening. Cathy McGowan, Haines's predecessor as member for Indi, said at the event that the community was dealing with "mixed emotions." In Western Australia, police charged a 56-year-old man after he allegedly threatened staff and wielded nunchucks at the electoral office of state local government minister Hannah Beazley.