Burnie’s Justine Barwick is smiling four days after suffering a terrifying shark attack in the Whitsundays in Queensland on Wednesday.
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Her husband, Craig Barwick, said on Sunday afternoon that her condition was continuing to improve.
“This morning Justine is conscious and no longer being ventilated, she is communicating using thumbs up, nodding and best of all smiling,’ he said.
Mrs Barwick was snorkelling near a yacht at the when she was mauled by a shark, leaving her with severe leg and torso injuries.
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She has undergone extensive reconstructive surgery to her injured right leg, the procedure took 18 hours and is the third operation since the attack.
Specialists were able to repair ligaments and other structures including nerve, skin and muscle grafting to reconstruct the injured limb.
Ms Barwick remains very fatigued from the attack and the challenging surgery. She is in the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
It’s anticipated that she will remain in ICU for a few more days before transferring to another surgical ward.
“We are very impressed with the Queensland Health Service and the wonderful staff at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, in particular, the surgical team and Intensive Care Unit.” Mr Barwick said.
Justine’s daughter Sarah has remained in Hobart waiting for her mother’s condition to improve before travelling to be with her.
“Kate and I are relieved to hear the improvement in Mum’s condition, and I am looking forward to seeing her,” she said.