Minister extends leave following complications

BELLARINE MP Lisa Neville will again extend her leave from state Parliament after facing a string of post-surgery complications.

While the Minister for Water, Police and Emergency Services has lived with Chron’s disease for 32 years, her condition has this year worsened forcing here to take an extended leave of absence.

In a statement, Ms Neville said she had been battling prolonged and severe flare ups of the disease since 2020, which had resulted in multiple surgeries, hospital stays and extended leave from ministerial duties.

Under the advisement of medical staff, Ms Neville is now hoping to return to office in August after initially aiming to be back by the end of June.

“Every recovery from bowel surgery is different, the more serious the condition is when having surgery, the more likely recovery will be slower,” she said.

“In my case, by the time my initial surgery occurred on April 6, the small bowel was in a critical condition.

“I was in hospital for four weeks following surgery, including one week in the intensive care unit given the seriousness of my condition.

“On April 15 a second surgery was required for yet another complication of Crohn’s.”

After returning home, Ms Neville was again admitted to hospital to gain control of symptoms.

Hoping to use her platform to advocate for others living with the disease, Ms Neville said she is working through various options to control bowel complications.

“My surgery involved removal of the terminal ileum of the small bowel, leading to malabsorption of key electrolytes, which require me to have weekly infusions to give my body the nutrients it is struggling to keep,” she said.

“We are also working on various options to control bowel complications, including chronic diarrhoea – a common complication of this surgery and one suffered by many people with Crohn’s, although one not often discussed openly.”

Working hard to rebuild her physical and mental strength, Ms Neville she said her role was not one that could be done part-time.

“You have to be able to give it your all. As frustrating as it is, I am just not at that point yet,” she said.

“My goal is to take the next few weeks to get on top of these post-surgery impacts and focus on my medical team’s plan to get my medication right, so I can be confident I can come back at full strength.

“I feel lucky that I have had such great care from an amazing surgeon and gastroenterologist and the countless other doctors, nurses, support staff and day centre staff at St John of God Hospital.

“I am looking forward to being back representing the people of Bellarine and supporting the Victorian community as a minister.”