A HEALTH board has been ordered to apologise to a patient over "significant delays" in diagnosing his lung cancer.

The patient, known as Mr C, was receiving treatment for a neurological condition at Monklands Hospital in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, in May 2012 when he was referred for a CT scan , which revealed a suspected nodule in his lung.

However, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman criticised NHS Lanarkshire over "repeated delays" in arranging a follow-up scan which meant it did not take place until September, with further delays in arranging a biopsy which eventually diagnosed Mr C's cancer.

The SPSO found "numerous failings", including "no robust plan in place in the radiology department for distinguishing between urgent and routine requests".