Several papers highlighted a special card introduced by NHS Lanarkshire that can be carried by carers in case they suddenly become unwell. The “Someone Depends on My Care” card alerts emergency services that a patient normally looks after someone, who will be missing their support while they are ill.

It took the attention of the Motherwell Times & Bellshill Speaker, East Kilbride News, Cumbernauld News & Kilsyth Chronicle, Rutherglen Reformer, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser and Hamilton Advertiser. The idea was also praised by MSP Linda Fabiani in her column in the East Kilbride News.

The same local papers told how the National See Me programme is looking for local people to make towns in Lanarkshire leaders in improving mental health and tackling discrimination.

Reductions in mortality rates in our acute hospitals met the government target, giving us positive coverage in The Herald, Evening Times and Hamilton Advertiser.

An essential guide charting key milestones has been published as the integration of health and social care gets underway in North Lanarkshire, said the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser, while the same paper and the East Kilbride News focused on the support services provided by the Alcohol and Drug Partnership.

On the negative side, there was criticism in the Wishaw Press of the availability of parking at Wishaw General Hospital. The issue of A&E waiting times was highlighted in the Daily Record, Evening Times, Herald and Motherwell Times & Bellshill Speaker.

An investigation by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman upheld a complaint after doctors at Hairmyres continued with a colonoscopy procedure when the patient asked for it to be stopped, according to the Scotsman, Herald and Evening Times.