David Baker. PHOTO/FILE
ALEYNA MARTINEZ
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Rotarian David Baker, who was critically injured in a crash with an unladen water tanker last month, is now in a “stable” condition in a high-dependency unit.
The 77-year-old had been cycling on Ngaumutawa Rd on June 24 when the crash happened.
His daughter Sally Baker told the Times-Age on Monday Baker had suffered chest injuries which required surgery, and a fractured skull.
“They suspect there might be some brain injury, but we’re waiting to find out how that develops.
“That’s something that you only find out over time.
“The main damage was to his chest – he had numerous broken bones that are all starting to heal – we’re just waiting really.”
Baker was “not really talking but he does remember us”, his daughter said.
“He was moved out of [ICU] at the end of last week and he’s in the cardiothoracic ward in a high-dependency unit.”
There was still no indication how long Baker would need to be in hospital and his recovery was now “just about waiting”.
“He’s not very conscious,” Sally said.
“He is now breathing by himself so he’s making a slow physical recovery but there are a number of other assessments that need to be done and a lot of steps that need to be made before he will be moved anywhere.”
Baker said her family wanted to thank the Wairarapa community for their support.
“It’s been greatly appreciated, and I respect the fact that people have allowed us to maintain a level of privacy through it all.”
