Former U.S. President George H. W. Bush has been allowed to go home after spending nearly two months at a Texas medical centre.

The 88 year old spent seven weeks at the Methodist Hospital receiving treatment for bronchitis, but on Monday (14Jan13) he was finally given a clean bill of health and discharged to his Houston home.

A statement from the politician's doctor, Amy Mynderse, reads, "Mr. Bush has improved to the point that he will not need any special medication when he goes home, but he will continue physical therapy."

Bush is thankful for all the support he received throughout the duration of his stay: "I am deeply grateful for the wonderful doctors and nurses at Methodist who took such good care of me. Let me add just how touched we were by the many get-well messages we received from our friends and fellow Americans. Your prayers and good wishes helped more than you know, and as I head home my only concern is that I will not be able to thank each of you for your kind words."