Hope released from hospital

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (AP) -- A week after he was hospitalized for intestinal bleeding, a frail but smiling Bob Hope stood and waved to cameras Wednesday and then was sent home.

The 97-year-old entertainer's appearance outside Eisenhower Medical Center had been planned, but not his discharge.

Hope decided Wednesday that as long as he was up and dressed that he would go home, and his doctor agreed, hospital spokeswoman Lea Goodsell said.

Hope's hand shook and he leaned on a rail for support, but he attempted a grin. His wife, Dolores, and Dr. Gary Annunziata stood close by as he waved.

Hope didn't say anything as he left the hospital, but hospital officials had reported earlier that he was eating well and flirting with his nurse.

''If he knew how old his nurse was (26-year-old Cheree Combs) he'd say he has golf balls older than she is. She's been wonderful,'' his wife joked.

Hope was taken to Eisenhower Regional Medical Center in critical condition with gastrointestinal bleeding on June 1. By Tuesday, he was out of bed and anxious to go home.

On the Net:

http://www.bobhope.com