InBrief

Chris Branson QC is now in Acute Care at the Royal North Shore Hospital. His progress is slow and unpredictable at this stage and we are dealing with things mainly on an hour by hour basis. He has developed a number of blood clots in his legs which pose a considerable risk and these are being monitored very closely.

On Monday there were concerns that one or more of these clots had moved to his lungs however scans showed this not to be the case - yet. Those scans also showed that he is now dealing with fluid in both lungs (initially just the right lung) which is not aided by the MRSA infection already in his lungs. Today two further drains have been inserted into his lungs and a Vena Cava Filter has been inserted into his left leg in an attempt to prevent clots from traveling to his lungs or heart.

Chris was scheduled to undergo further surgery on his shattered right femur this morning however this surgery was cancelled last night following a review by his respiratory specialist and other treating physicians. This surgery has been tentatively rescheduled for the morning of Friday 19 September however this depends upon his progress over the next two days.

I must reiterate that Chris is in no condition to accept visitors or phone calls. He is now and will continue to be constantly monitored by both Acute Care and Intensive Care staff until his condition has stabilised. He is on continuous oxygen and cannot speak for more than a few seconds at a time and the injuries to his hands and arms prevent him from picking up or holding a telephone.

I can however assure you that all messages, cards, letters etc are being passed on to him and he is especially grateful to those who have taken the time to write highly amusing letters which I read to him with some trepidation!

The children and I are managing as well as can be expected and we would like to once again thank all members of the Bench and Bar for their messages of support and for their prayers.

Annemarie Branson

18 September 2008

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