George H W Bush improving, wife staying night in hospital

A spokesman says former President George H W Bush's health continues to improve and doctors are hopeful he can be moved out of intensive care at a Houston hospital in the next day or two.

Bush family spokesman Jim McGrath said today that Bush's wife, 91-year-old former first lady Barbara Bush, has decided to remain another night at the hospital, where she's been recovering from bronchitis.

The 92-year-old former president has been in the hospital for a week being treated for breathing difficulties from pneumonia.

McGrath says the couple wants to make sure "they thank their well-wishers for their kindness, and especially their prayers."
 

Their 72-year marriage is the longest of any presidential couple in American history.