19/3/2007 - Peter Stybelski

On Thursday 15 March, Peter Stybelski, Chief Executive of Cumbria County Council, was admitted to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. He underwent a kidney transplant operation the following day.

Mr Stybelski has suffered from a kidney condition for some time and has been waiting to find a matching donor. Only his family, friends, and a close circle of colleagues at the county council were aware of his condition. 

Mr Stybelski was notified of the availability of a possible donor on Thursday evening. He had the operation on Friday 16 after it became clear that the donor organ was a suitable match.

The operation appears to have gone well and Mr Stybelski remains in hospital. Medical staff advise that his recovery will take approximately six to eight weeks.

In his absence Deputy Chief Executive Bob Mather will take over as acting Chief Executive.

"Peter is incredibly popular with council employees and all our thoughts are with him and his family. The operation was carried out successfully; I spoke to him yesterday and he seems in remarkably good spirits. We wish Peter a speedy and successful recovery," said Mr Mather.

"In the meantime it will be business as usual for the council as we enter a very busy period and continue our drive for improvement and excellence. We all owe it to Peter to ensure that we sustain our progress while he is away." 

Politicians have also been quick to pass on their best wishes.

Council Leader Tim Stoddard said: "Peter is a talented and charismatic Chief Executive. We wish him and his family well and hope that the operation proves a success. Whilst some of us have known about Peter's condition for some time, the speed with which a donor was found and Peter was admitted to hospital has caught us all by surprise."

Deputy leader Joan Stocker added: "We send our best wishes to Peter and his family. We are fortunate to have such an able deputy in Bob Mather."

And Labour group leader Stewart Young added: "Finding a suitable donor in these situations is never easy, so this is a positive step for Peter. We wish him a speedy recovery and we look forward to welcoming him back fit and well in due course."

Notes

The picture shows Peter Stybelski. Peter Stybelski has been Chief Executive at Cumbria County council since September 2004. He was previously Chief Executive at Carlisle City Council. He is 54 years old, married with one son and lives in Armathwaite. His picture can be accessed by clicking on the link at the bottom of this email.

Anyone who wants to know more about becoming an organ donor can visit www.uktransplant.org.uk

ENDS

Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 606332