George H.W. Bush improves, leaves ICU

HOUSTON — Former President George H.W. Bush is still suffering from pneumonia, but is well enough to leave the intensive care unit at a Houston hospital, doctors said Monday. His wife, Barbara, has been discharged from the same facility after completing treatment for bronchitis.

The 92-year-old former president was struggling to breathe when he was admitted to the Houston Methodist Hospital on Jan. 14. Last week, he was breathing with the aid of a ventilator in the ICU, but doctors removed the breathing tube on Friday and, by Monday, were talking about the possibility that he could return home soon.

Dr. Clint Doerr said Bush was still coughing “a fair amount” but that, if he continues to improve, he could be discharged from the hospital by Friday or over the weekend.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Bush was told she could return home Sunday, but she opted to stay one more night to fully recover and remain close to her husband, according to family spokesman Jim McGrath.