Last year an independent inquiry described the unit as "dysfunctional".

It also said team-working was almost non-existent and found severe management failings.

An Oversight Group was set up to monitor the progress of an action plan which was put in place to address the centre's failings.

'Quality care'

Bernard Williams, Chairman of the Oversight Group, said: "Although the quality of clinical care given to cardiac patients was not a question raised by the report, it highlighted many areas of concern."

The progress report by the Oversight Group says the hospital trust has tackled previous criticisms and made major improvements.

It points out that over the last six months nursing and managerial staff have worked well together to overcome problems and to make improvements.