George H.W. Bush moved out of intensive care

Former President George H.W. Bush's condition has improved enough for him to be moved out of the intensive care unit and into a regular patient room at the Houston hospital where he has been receiving treatment, a spokesman said on Saturday.

Bush, 88, entered Methodist Hospital on Nov. 23 with bronchitis. He was sent to intensive care last Sunday after setbacks including a persistent fever.

"The Bushes thank everyone for their prayers and good wishes," said a statement from the former president's spokesman.

Bush was the 41st U.S. president and is the father of former President George W. Bush. In a political career spanning four decades, Bush, a Republican, also served as a congressman, ambassador to the United Nations, envoy to China, CIA director, and vice president for two terms under Ronald Reagan.

Bush has lower-body parkinsonism, which causes a loss of balance, and has used a wheelchair for more than a year.

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