Politics

Former President George H.W. Bush in 'Fair Condition' After Fall

George H.W. Bush has been hospitalized with a broken vertebra following a fall in Kennebunkport, Maine

Published on July 15, 2015 11:00 PM

Former President George H.W. Bush remains in "fair condition" at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, after he fell and broke a vertebra in his neck on Wednesday.

"The president never lost consciousness, and the injury he sustained neither impinged on his spine nor resulted in any neurological deficits," his spokesman, Jim McGrath, said in a statement Thursday. "He continues to have normal use of his limbs."

Bush will have to wear a neck brace but will not have to undergo surgery.

Dr. William D'Angelo, a neurosurgeon at Maine Medical Center who is treating Bush, said in a press conference Thursday afternoon that although the injury is "significant," the former president "is in excellent shape."

"We anticipate he'll make a full recovery," D'Angelo adds. "He's doing great; his spirits are good."

Bush was hospitalized after suffering the fall at his summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine, on Wednesday.

McGrath shared the news on Twitter Wednesday evening, saying the injury was not serious.

"[Bush] fell at home in Maine today and broke a bone in his neck," McGrath said. "His condition is stable – he is fine – but he'll be in a neck brace."

A source close to Bush tells PEOPLE, "He was having a great summer, had been out on his boat several times, and enjoyed celebrating [his wife] Mrs. Bush's 90th birthday with family and friends."

Bush's well-wishers include President Obama, who called the former president "to wish him a speedy recovery," according to principal deputy press secretary Eric Schultz.

"The president extended best wishes on behalf of himself and the First Lady," Schultz says.

Bush, 91, was previously hospitalized in late 2014 in Houston after experiencing shortness of breath, and in 2012 he was hospitalized for bronchitis.

Although Bush also suffers from Parkinson's disease, he nonetheless celebrated his 90th birthday in 2014 by skydiving.