Sharon To Stay In Hospital

Israeli PM, In Coma Since Jan. 4 Stroke, Remains Critical But Stable

(AP)  Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's doctors held talks Wednesday with two specialists from a long-term care facility, but decided he would remain for the time being at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, a hospital spokeswoman said.

But there will be more meetings with specialists from long-term care facilities to discuss Sharon's care, spokeswoman Yael Bossem-Levy said.

Sharon, who has been in a coma since suffering a stroke on Jan. 4, remained in critical but stable condition, Bossem-Levy added.

Two intensive care specialists from Loewenstein Hospital Rehabilitation Center participated in Wednesday's meeting with Sharon's doctors, Bossem-Levy said.

Although Sharon has responded to pain stimulus, he has shown no signs of waking up, even after being taken off sedatives more than a week ago.

The Israeli daily Haaretz quoted experts describing Sharon's condition as a vegetative state, saying he could still wake up, but it might take weeks or months. Hospital officials declined to comment on the report.