Bush still in hospital to ‘build up energy’
Former president’s doctors optimistic he will recover but are being cautious.
HOUSTON — Former President George H.W. Bush, who has been in a Houston hospital with a lingering cough since November, needs to “build up his energy” before he can be released, doctors said Sunday.
Methodist Hospital spokesman George Kovacik said in an emailed statement that doctors are still optimistic the 88year-old Bush will make a full recovery, but he said they are being “extra cautious” with his care. Bush is in stable condition, he said.
Bush was hospitalized Nov. 23 for treatment of a bronchitis-related cough. Hospital officials have said Bush has been receiving physical therapy to increase his strength.
Bush spokesman Jim McGrath had said on Thursday that the former president could be released in time for Christmas.
However, Kovacik said Sunday that a discharge date hasn’t been set. Kovacik said a decision on Bush’s release might be decided on Monday, Christmas Eve.
Bush and his wife, Barbara, spend winters at their home in Houston and summers at their home in Kennebunkport, Maine.