Key NHS software supplier iSOFT has apologised for a market update released last week which it now says was a matter of opinion, not fact.

Explaining shortfalls in revenue to the stock market last week iSOFT said "uncertainty associated with the change in UK government" and a weak European economy were reasons for "the deferral of decisions in relation to the NPfIT".

But today iSOFT apologised for any implied criticism of the NHS or its partner CSC.

The statement said that its earlier claim that political uncertainty and the change of government were reasons for the delays were "statements were iSOFT's opinion and cannot be taken as fact".

iSOFT did not say what was to blame for the revenue shortfall.

The supplier's shares have collapsed again - falling by a third in the last two weeks.

iSOFT 's original statement from 2 June is here as a pdf and the update is here. ®