Bert Newton ‘on the mend’ after battling pneumonia in hospital

Australian television icon Bert Newton is making a speedy recovery after he was rushed to hospital late last week with pneumonia.

“About 18 months ago I had a severe bout of pneumonia, and felt the same symptoms about ten days ago,” Newton told 9NEWS outside his home this afternoon.

“I had a change in breathing and as soon as that happened, I thought it was best to go to hospital.”

The 78-year-old spent four days in Epworth Hospital receiving treatment.

His wife of 43 years, Patti Newton, said she suspects one of Bert’s four grandchildren, Lola, may have accidentally passed on the infection.

“Lola had a chest infection, and it was so bad…they were hugging and kissing, and I thought ‘it won’t be long’.”

Saying both she and Bert remained cautious of his health after he had a quadruple bypass following a massive heart attack in 2012.

Newton will continue to seek care from doctors, and will remain on a strong course of antibiotics until he is given the all clear.