President Jimmy Carter leaves Cleveland hospital

CLEVELAND - Former President Jimmy Carter has been released from MetroHealth Medical Center. He left at about 1:15 p.m. Thursday.

Here is a statement issued by MetroHealth Medical Center and The Carter Center:
"President Carter was discharged from MetroHealth Medical Center today at 1:15 p.m., after recovering from a gastric viral infection. He will resume his schedule with a meeting this week in Washington, D.C. This long-planned event is related to Carter Center work.

"He thanked his medical team at MetroHealth for the attentive and comprehensive care and treatment he received during his stay. He also again expressed his appreciation to all the members of the public who sent greetings to him."

He was admitted Tuesday after experiencing an upset stomach during a flight to Cleveland, and has spent two nights in the hospital because of a viral infection, hospital officials said.

President Carter was originally going to be released Wednesday morning, but stayed at the recommendation of his doctors.

"His medical team continues to observe his progress," according to a statement released Wednesday night by MetroHealth. "President Carter is in very good spirits, appreciates all the good wishes being sent his way, and looks forward to getting back to his busy schedule."

"Former President Jimmy Carter is continuing to recover from the stomach distress that was reported earlier. His medical team at MetroHealth Medical Center has determined that the likely cause was a viral infection that is now clearing up. President Carter thanks all those who have expressed concern and sent greetings to him," according to a release from MetroHealth Medical Center Wednesday evening.

President Carter, 85, was rushed to the hospital after experiencing an upset stomach during a flight to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Tuesday morning. He had come to Cleveland to sign copies of his new book "White House Diary," at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Legacy Village.

Two similar events were scheduled for Wednesday in Washington, D.C., but they were canceled from the former president's agenda.

"If  you have to be sick Cleveland is the place to be," said Cleveland Health Commissioner Karen Butler.  Cleveland has several outstanding hospitals added Butler "he is going to get the best possible care."

The White House said President Barack Obama phoned Carter at MetroHealth from Air Force One Tuesday night while traveling to Wisconsin. White House spokesman Bill Burton said Carter told the President he was feeling great.

Congressman Dennis Kucinich said "I am very fond of President Carter, he is a good friend. We all join together in wishing him a speedy recovery."

EMS crews were initially called to an incoming Delta flight at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday for a passenger who felt sick. Upon arrival, they learned that the passenger was President Carter, airport officials said.

Airport EMS crews did an initial checkup on Carter, and then transported him to MetroHealth Medical Center.

This statement was issued from the hospital Tuesday at 4:50 p.m.:
"Upon further examination by MetroHealth Medical Center physicians, it was determined that Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter would be admitted to the hospital for continued observation. He is fully alert and participating in all decision-making related to his care. The decision to admit him overnight is purely precautionary."

At about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, President Carter's team issued this statement:
At his doctor's recommendation,President Carter will remain overnight to rest at Metro Health Hospital in Cleveland and plans to resume his book tour tomorrow in Washington, D.C.

Earlier in the day, President Carter's team issued this statement Tuesday afternoon shortly after he was admitted:
"While on a flight to Cleveland, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter developed an upset stomach, and, upon arrival, was taken to Metro Health Hospital for observation. He is resting comfortably and is expected to resume his book tour this week. "

Carter, a Democrat, was the 39th president of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981.

This stop in Cleveland comes one month shy of the 30th anniversary of the lone debate in the 1980 presidential race between Carter and Republican challenger Ronald Reagan, which was held in Cleveland.

Carter wrote about the debate held in Cleveland's Public Hall is his new book that he came to promote. He wrote that he knew it would be his last chance to overcome the negative effects of the U.S. - Iranian hostage crisis.

In the end, Reagan would take the debate and the election a few days later.