John Jarvis was misdiagnosed after being involved in a road accident near Ingleton in July 2007 at the age of 82.

Despite being taken by ambulance on a spinal board to the RLI he was not x-rayed, but instead diagnosed with whiplash and discharged with painkillers.

After four days of agony at his Cheshire home, Mr Jarvis's family took him to a private hospital where he was diagnosed with a broken neck. Mr Jarvis, who served in World War Two, has since died from cancer but his daughters Alyson and Shirley continued to fight for an apology from the hospital.

The family did not seek compensation, although a settlement was made in November 2008 for the £995 they spent on private treatment.

They also complained to the NHS Litigation Authority and the health ombudsman.

This week the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust said sorry – a day after the Lancaster Guardian contacted them. However, changes in their complaints process in April meant the family could have had a response seven months ago.

"We just wanted some closure on it," said Alyson, who was with her father when the accident happened.

"We promised him we would find out why he hadn't been properly diagnosed and we were determined to keep that promise for him and for ourselves.

"You put your trust in these people; I know nobody can be perfect but to have such a massive misdiagnosis is frightening."

Trust chief executive Tony Halsall said: "On behalf of the trust, I unreservedly apologise to the family of the late John Jarvis.

"I am sorry he did not receive an x-ray during his initial visit to A&E in July 2007.

"At that time, if a patient lodged a claim for damages all complaints correspondence stopped until the legal process was complete.

"Sadly, Mr Jarvis died before his claim was settled and we therefore did not get the chance to say sorry to him directly.

"I am writing to his relatives to offer our apologies."