Ex-Canadian PM Chretien out of hospital

MONTREAL, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien has been released from a hospital three days after brain surgery, doctors said Monday.

After his discharge from Montreal's Jewish General Hospital, Chretien, 76, headed to his Shawinigan, Quebec, home, the Canadian Broadcast Corp. reported.

Doctors told Chretien, an avid golfer, he needs at least two to four weeks of rest.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper wished Chretien a speedy recovery while Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff told reporters, "I think they caught it in time and we're all rooting for him."

Chretien's family released a statement expressing appreciation for the care he received at Jewish General Hospital. He underwent a 2-hour operation to remove blood that had accumulated between his skull and brain after a CT scan had revealed the problem.

His daughter had called Jewish General Thursday to say he was having trouble walking, the CBC reported. The bleeding may have been caused when Chretien fell on his basement steps in June but doctors said they can't be sure, the Canadian broadcaster said.

Chretien served as prime minister November 1993-December 2003.