The Audit Scotland report - which covered the period when Lothian waiting lists were being manipulated, between April and December 2011 - said there was "widespread use across Scotland" of the social unavailability patient code during that time.

BBC: Audit Scotland warns NHS waiting list information 'poor'

Ms Lamont was referring to a report by Audit Scotland which tracked relatively extensive past use of "social unavailability" codes to exclude patients from waiting time guarantees.

BBC: First minister's questions: Health of a national treasure