(CNN) - Former President George H.W. Bush was moved Saturday out of the intensive care unit of the Houston hospital where he has been for more than a month.
"President Bush's condition has improved, so he has been moved today from the intensive care unit to a regular patient room at The Methodist Hospital to continue his recovery," his office said in a statement distributed by spokesman Jim McGrath.
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Bush was moved to the intensive care unit last Sunday as doctors worked to control "a stubborn fever," McGrath said at the time. He was listed at the time in guarded condition.
Bush was initially hospitalized with bronchitis and remained in the hospital for a lingering cough. He was admitted from November 7 through 9, then returned on November 23. He has remained at the hospital since. Before his ICU admission, Bush was undergoing physical therapy as doctors prepared to have him home for Christmas.
While in the intensive care unit, Bush was on a liquid diet. It was not immediately clear on Saturday whether he remained on that modified diet.
On Friday, McGrath signaled that the former president was improving.
"The president is alert and, as always, in good spirits - and his exchanges with doctors and nurses now include singing. The Bushes thank everyone for their prayers and good wishes and, like their doctors, are cautiously optimistic that the current course of treatment will be effective."
Jean Becker, Bush's chief of staff, sent supporters a note on Thursday with reassurances that the former president's condition is not dire.
"Is he sick? Yes. Does he plan on going anywhere soon? No. He has every intention of staying put," Becker wrote. "He would ask me to tell you to please put the harps back in the closet."
Bush's health care in Houston is "unequaled anywhere" she wrote, asking supporters to "keep him and the family in your prayers.
"I am thinking heaven has not seen such a barrage of prayer intentions since 'It's a Wonderful Life,'" she wrote, referring to the classic holiday movie.
McGrath, the spokesman, told CNN on Wednesday morning that Bush's "mood is relentlessly positive and includes humorous banter with his doctor."
On Christmas, Bush was visited by members of his family including his wife, and his son, former President George W. Bush, was expected to visit the hospital later.
At 88, Bush is the oldest living former president; he is four months older than former President Jimmy Carter.
From CNN Politics
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Sir, good luck to you, have a very HAPPY NEW YEAR.
PS: I am not bush-2 fan, but Bush-1 is fine.
Very happy to hear that the former President is getting better. I'll eat a few florets of broccoli in celebration. Just to rid the world of a little so he won't have to.
It's a Festivus Miracle!!!
All of us praying for President Bush speedy recovery!
It would be Awesome to be able to see ALL the 5 Standing Presidents together once.
wonderful news!! happy new year Mr President!!
I wish him a speedy and full recovery. Never had an issue with him just his son.
Glad you are improving, Mr. President! Continued prayers are sent to you.
He'll probably be skydiving by President's Day.
Good. I am glad that he is out. I hope that he has a happy 2013 with family.
As people the Bushes are great! Hope Bush -1 has a wonderful New Year with family
-signed a democrat...
I pray for your speedy recovery, President Bush! You were a good president.
Two famous quotes I remember from the first Bush Presidency:
"Read my lips! NO NEW TAXES..."
"What we are looking at is good and evil, right and wrong. And a NEW WORLD ORDER... We're not about to make that same mistake..."
i am a democrat and i wish bush a speedy recovery
Good news know Bush Sr is a fighter
Good to hear.
Get well soon Mr. President.
people have been praying for mr bush recovery an god bless him stay strong mr bush until the end
Get well Mr. President.
May you live to 120. The best to you and your family. Hope you go sky diving again soon. My dad and mom are both 92. Dad was recently hospitalized for 3 days but was ill for 3 weeks. He is now now fully recovered and drove mom to dinner tonight. Ps one of the best drivers on the road. HAPPY NEW YEAR. PSS A FAN OF THE WHOLE FAMILY.
Mr. Bush it is good you are healing and I am praying for you. Take care!
It's true what they say, the good die young. Good luck recovering "Magog."
I hope he gets better. He was a good President and although I'm a huge Clinton fan we would have been fine with him had he won in 1992.
Not one of my most favorite presidents BUT I certainly will not wish ill of him. I hope he makes a recovery and returns to be with his family.
Good for him! From one old sailor to another, Bravo Zulu!
Scott
Not a bush fan, but feel better Mr. President. Speedy recovery and get home soon