PM faints on eve of Antarctica visit
John Key was taken to hospital to be assessed last night.
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Prime Minister John Key fainted in Christchurch last night but has been cleared to fly to Antarctica today.
Mr Key collapsed after eating dinner at Italian restaurant Tutto Bene and was taken to hospital in a police car, where he was assessed by three specialists for about two and a half hours, a spokeswoman has confirmed.
The specialists decided he was still fit to travel to Antarctica this morning, although they do not know what caused Mr Key to faint.
The spokeswoman said she did not know if the prime minister had fainted before.
The flight to Antarctica was initially due to leave at six o'clock last night, but was delayed because of weather conditions on the icy continent.
During the three-day trip Mr Key will stay at Scott Base and be briefed on a number of research projects, as well as travelling to the South Pole.
NBR Staff
Fri, 18 Jan 2013
Fri, 18 Jan 2013
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PM faints on eve of Antarctica visit
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