Former US President George H.W. Bush’s condition con­tinued to improve yesterday, prompting doctors to move him out of intensive care, a spokesman said.

“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,” family spokesman Jim McGrath said, adding that “the Bushes thank everyone for their prayers and good wishes”.

The 88-year-old Bush was taken to hospital on November 23 for treatment of a bronchitis-related cough.

He was moved to intensive care at the Houston hospital on December 23 after he developed a fever.

On Friday, McGrath said Bush had improved since arriving in the ICU. He said he was alert and in good spirits and was even doing some singing.

McGrath said that future updates on Mr Bush’s condition would be made as warranted.

Bush, the 41st President, is the country’s oldest living former leader by a few months.

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