Spokesman ‘hopeful’ for George H.W. Bush’s hospital exit

George H.W. Bush’s spokesman said Thursday that he is optimistic the former president will be discharged from a Houston hospital’s intensive care unit soon.

“President Bush had a good night’s rest and remains in stable condition in the ICU at Houston Methodist Hospital,” Jim McGrath said in a statement. “His medical team is actively evaluating him for extubation, and we are hopeful he will be discharged from the ICU in a few days.”

{mosads}McGrath said former first lady Barbara Bush, meanwhile, has seen a dramatic increase in her condition following her admission to the same facility.

“After being admitted yesterday and diagnosed with a case of bronchitis, Mrs. Bush reports she feels ‘1,000 percent better’ this morning,” he said. “Antibiotics and some good rest seem to have restored her to better health.”

McGrath added the Bushes are “deeply appreciative for the wonderful care they are receiving – as well as the prayers and good wishes from far and wide.”

Bush’s spokesman said Wednesday the former president, who is 92, was hospitalized for shortness of breath last weekend.

McGrath said later that day, however, the former president had been moved to an ICU to “address an acute respiratory problem stemming from pneumonia.”

Barbara Bush was admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital early Wednesday after the 91-year-old began experiencing “fatigue and coughing,” he said. 

The Bushes’ health struggles have since prompted an outpouring of support from leaders including President-elect Donald Trump, President Obama and former President Bill Clinton.

George H.W. Bush sent Trump a letter on Jan. 10 apologizing that he and his wife would miss this Friday’s inauguration for health reasons.

“My doctor says if I sit outside in January, it likely will put me six feet under,” he wrote. “Same for Barbara. So I guess we’re stuck in Texas.”