Mayor of Manukau undergoes bypass surgery

The Mayor of Manukau, Len Brown, has undergone major heart bypass surgery at Auckland Hospital this morning.

The four hour operation appears at this stage to have been successful, and his ongoing condition is now being closely monitored. He remains in a critical but stable condition.

Mayoress Shirley Anne (Shan) Inglis says that whilst there had been an improvement in Len’s condition yesterday, she believes the heart attack on Saturday night had been life threatening.

“This has been an extremely traumatic time for us as a family, but we are ecstatic that Len seems to have come through this major surgery so well,” she says.

“Obviously his recuperation will take some time yet, but we now believe he is firmly on the road to recovery.

“On behalf of all of our family I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support during our time of need. We know that the community and Manukau City Council is behind us, and I know that Len will be keen to express his appreciation in the near future.

“Len has absolute confidence in, and respect for Gary Troup as his deputy mayor, and we know that in Len’s absence Manukau is in a safe pair of hands.

“I also want to thank the medical teams, both at Middlemore Hospital where Len was first admitted, and Auckland Hospital following his transfer. They have been highly professional, very supportive and we are extremely grateful to them for the care they have provided over these last few days.”

Acting Mayor Gary Troup says he is delighted with news of the successful operation.

“Our thoughts continue to be with Len’s family at this time, and we wish him a speedy recovery.

“Manukau City Council has been inundated with well wishes, cards and messages of support. And our city councillors have shown huge support by rallying around me to ensure we can meet the obligations of Len’s diary.”

Those wishing to send messages of support and comfort are welcome to drop them off at the council reception, Civic Building, Wiri Station Road; at Manukau libraries; fill out an online form at www.manukau.govt.nz or post to Manukau City Council, Private Bag 76917, Manukau city, Attention Brown Family.