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 chief executive of HWN, said: "Two-third of people who shared their experience with us felt being LGBTQIA+ did affect their health care.

"That seems a very high number and we would urge those providing health and care to ensure all their staff are aware of the needs of this community.

"We do feel this is a subject we would like to investigate further to explore the issues in more depth.

"We would like to work with other partners in the future to look at some of the themes and experiences in more detail."