Ex-President Bush still in Houston hospital; doctors say he needs to 'build up his energy'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In a Tuesday, June 12, 2012 file photo, former President George H.W. Bush, and his wife former first lady Barbara Bush, arrive for the premiere of HBO's new documentary on his life near the family compound in Kennebunkport, Maine. The 41st president's month-long stay in a Houston hospital for treatment of a bronchitis-related cough appears to be nearing an end. A spokesman said Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012 that Bush possibly will be released from Methodist Hospital over the weekend and be home for Christmas. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File) (The Associated Press)
Doctors say former President George H.W. Bush needs to "build up his energy" before he can be released from a Houston hospital.
Methodist Hospital spokesman George Kovacik said in an email statement Sunday that doctors are still optimistic that the 88-year-old Bush will make a full recovery.
He said doctors are being "extra cautious" with Bush's care.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.
On Thursday, Bush spokesman Jim McGrath said Bush could be released in time for Christmas. But Kovacik said in Sunday's statement that a discharge date has not been set.