Almost two-thirds of patients in Norfolk feel being that part of the LGBT+ community has negatively impacted the care they receive. A new study from Healthwatch Norfolk (HWN) has revealed concerns over how patients who are gay or trans are treated in the local NHS system. It found that 58pc of LGBT+ patients feel that being part of the community affected the way they were treated by the NHS.
Among the concerns raised were that trans men - people who have gone through a transition from female to male - were unable to access smear tests and medics having a lack of understanding of patients' sexualities. The study was carried out during Pride events in Norwich and King's Lynn , when members of the HWN team surveyed more than 150 individuals. People were asked a series of questions and given the opportunity to share their experiences of healthcare - positive or negative.
And of the detailed responses given, just four gave positive feedback. READ MORE: Labour flag banned from Norwich Pride march amid trans row READ MORE: Rylan Clark documentary to air on TV to coincide with LGBT History Month The study revealed a number of issues around gender stereotyping and a lack of awareness of transgender issues. One participant said: "Due to me being trans, I was given no further mental health help as they accredited most of my mental health to being trans.
" Another said: "Being a lesbian means any question about sexual activity requires me to out myself to my doctor." Judith Sharpe, deputy.
