Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams, left, speaks to the media after addressing the Calgary Chamber of Commerce in Calgary, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - The office of Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams says he is recovering well from his heart surgery and is expected to be released from hospital this week.

In a statement, his communications director said he was released from intensive care on Friday and that doctors are pleased with his progress.

Last week, the 60-year-old Williams went to an undisclosed clinic in the United States to have heart surgery, sparking a controversy over the state of Canadian health care.

His deputy premier, Kathy Dunderdale, has lashed out over what she said was a "battery" of ill-informed opinion on his decision to seek treatment in the U.S.

Dunderdale said Williams was able to have his "preferred" procedure, but declined to say more, citing his family's wish for privacy.

He is expected to be back at work in early March.