Hospital says former President H. W. Bush could leave hospital before Christmas

Former President George H. W. Bush could be released before Christmas from the hospital where he is receiving treatment for bronchial problems.

Bush had been receiving treatment at Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, for the past three weeks.

"Given his current pace of progress, doctors expect that President Bush will be able to celebrate Christmas at home with his family, though no release date has been set at this time," Methodist hospital spokesman George Kovacik said in a statement according to USA Today.

Bush's condition has improved to the point where he is currently in a therapy program meant to improve his strength in preparation for leaving the hospital, Kovacik added.

Bush was admitted to the hospital on Nov. 23.

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