Ava Gardner in Hospital

Actress Ava Gardner has been hospitalized for nearly a week for treatment of a recurring respiratory problem in Santa Monica, a St. John’s Hospital spokesman said today.

Gardner, 66, who lives in London, flew here last week and was admitted to the hospital about 3 a.m. on Jan. 6. “According to her physician, Dr. William Weber Smith, Miss Gardner is in good condition, is resting comfortably and should be discharged in about a week,” hospital spokesman Armen Markarian added.