Foster doctor in cycling accident

THE Corner Inlet community has been rocked by the news of the accident last Thursday morning in which Dr Phil Worboys was seriously injured while cycling along the South Gippsland Highway.

As The Mirror goes to press, the popular doctor is in a stable but serious condition in the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

At approximately 6.45am on October 1, Dr Worboys was riding his pushbike in a north-westerly direction on the highway at Foster North, when a vehicle driven by a 26-year-old Foster man attempted to overtake him.

The vehicle struck the bike, dislodging the rider.

Local ambulance officers were quickly on the scene, as were police from Foster, Toora, Wonthaggi and Mirboo North.

Also in attendance were members of the Morwell Traffic Unit and Foster Fire Brigade. The west-bound lane of the South Gippsland Highway was closed for approximately four hours.

Police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

“After initial assessment, Phil was flown by air ambulance to Royal Melbourne Hospital with life- threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle that hit Phil stopped immediately and has assisted police with their inquiries,” said Dr Owen Casson who is co-owner / manager, with Dr Worboys, of the Foster Medical Centre.

“Those involved in his early care – including passing drivers, the local and other regional ambulance crews as well as the doctors and nurses from South Gippsland Hospital – were instrumental in getting Phil to a trauma centre in a timely, safe manner,” said Dr Casson.

At Royal Melbourne Hospital he was assessed as having major injuries, was stabilised and remains in an induced coma in the Intensive Care Unit. He will remain in hospital for a prolonged period whilst he continues to be stabilised, undergoes surgery and a likely extended period of recovery and rehabilitation.

“Phil’s wife and family are appreciative of the support they have received,” Dr Casson said.

He added that Dr Woyboys’ shoes are very hard to fill. In addition to being a partner in the practice, he is a general practitioner, emergency physician, obstetrician and anaesthetist.

“All members of the team at Foster Medical Centre have been rocked by these events,” Dr Casson said.

“We have been generously offered help from many sources and will endeavour to maintain our services at the clinic and to cover on-call rosters at the South Gipplsand Hospital.

“Inevitably this will be challenging at times and we would ask for everyone’s patience if there are delays, and understanding if some anaesthetic services in particular are less available.

“We imagine members of the community here and elsewhere will be anxious for information about his condition as the days go by. Whilst observing some privacy for Phil and his family, we will maintain a notice on our website (www.fostermedical.com.au) with the latest basic information” said Dr Casson.

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