Bush senior stable, Barbara ‘1,000 per cent better’

WASHINGTON: Former US president George HW Bush remained in intensive care Thursday for treatment of pneumonia but doctors expressed hope he will be moved out of an intensive care unit in ‘a few days’, his spokesman said.

“President Bush had a good night’s rest and remains in stable condition in the ICU at Houston Methodist Hospital,” spokesman Jim McGrath said in a statement.

Doctors are evaluating whether tubes inserted to help the 92-yearold former president breathe can now be removed.

And Bush’s 91-year- old wife Barbara, hospitalised Wednesday, is feeling ‘1,000 per cent better’ after being treated with antibiotics and getting some rest.

The former first lady was admitted after experiencing fatigue and coughing, and ultimately diagnosed with bronchitis, the statement said.

The Bushes received a visit Wednesday from old friend James Baker, who served as secretary of state under Bush, and his wife Susan, the statement said.

Bush was initially hospitalised Saturday for shortness of breath, then moved to intensive care Wednesday suffering from pneumonia, highlighting concerns about his health as Donald Trump prepares to take office yesterday.

Word of the Bush couple’s ill health drew wishes for their speedy recovery from President Barack Obama, former president Bill Clinton and Trump.

Bush, who served as the nation’s 41st commander-in- chief from 1989 to 1993, is the oldest of the four living former US presidents and uses a wheelchair. He has seemed frail in recent public appearances. — AFP