Girl hit by ute leaves hospital, enters rehab

Hineraukura Fraser-King. Photo / Supplied

A month after being critically injured when hit by a vehicle, Rotorua 6-year-old Hineraukura Fraser-King is out of hospital and in a rehabilitation facility.

Hineraukura was hit by a ute on Sala St on May 5. She was in Auckland's Starship Hospital but this week moved to Wilson Home, which provides a range of rehabilitation and services for children and families with various disabilities.

Grandfather Anaru Fraser said Hineraukura had made a lot of progress with her recovery and the move to Wilson Home was positive.

A Facebook page, which was set up to keep friends and family informed about Hineraukura's progress, states she is making amazing progress.

"Hineraukura has only her feeding tube in and is able to eat puree food - up to 20 mouthfuls, she is able to wiggle her right fingers and is able to sit up, her progress through this time has been amazing and she can respond to doctors, nurses and whanau when she's in pain and communicate well," the page states.

Mr Fraser told The Daily Post yesterday Hineraukura still had a cast on her right leg. The operation on her lower jaw, which included the insertion of two plates, allowed her to communicate but she will need some therapy to help regain full use of her jaw.

Her right arm has "moderate mobility" but with ongoing physical therapy she should regain full use of it.

Mr Fraser said Hineraukura's head injury was still the priority.

"The doctors haven't indicated if there will be any permanent damage," he said.

"We still just have to wait and see."

Screws have also been put in Hineraukura's upper back which are still delicate, but she is now breathing by herself.

She has been able to go out in her wheelchair for small trips, which she has enjoyed.

Mr Fraser said Hineraukura was focusing on getting better.

"Her head is telling her to get better but she can only go as fast as her body will let her."

He said there was still a large family contingent dedicated to spending time with Hineraukura and helping her get better.