Ms Neville announced a week ago she was entering hospital for treatment and last Saturday announced she was taking extended leave on medical advice.
The member for Bellarine is well known to stakeholders in the water industry in northern Victoria because of her work in the water portfolio since 2014.
She has disclosed that she has suffered from Crohn’s disease for 32 years.
“This condition is an auto-immune disease which I have successfully managed throughout my life,” Ms Neville said in her statement.
“Over the past few months I had been managing the most recent episode from home, however my condition progressively worsened and required hospitalisation last week. I remain in hospital currently.”
Ms Neville said the most recent complications were the worst she had been confronted with and the advice is if she didn't take this period of rest and recovery she would be faced with major bowel surgery and risk long-term consequences to the quality and length of her life.
“I love my job and remain passionately committed to it. Across the portfolios of water and police and emergency services I have had the honour of working with dedicated individuals who serve and protect the interests of the Victorian community.”
“I want to thank the health professionals who have provided such expert care and advice to me, and who will continue to guide my recovery and return to work.
“I also want to acknowledge and thank my cabinet and caucus colleagues for supporting me to take the time I need to make a full recovery. Thank you also to the many friends who have wished me well during this time.”
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