The new guideline has been seen as a positive procedure, according to LGBT charity Stonewall.

“It’s vital sexual orientation is considered in health assessments. It can help GPs and other staff identify and recognise the unique health issues lesbian, gay and bisexual people may face,” a spokesperson for Stonewall said.

“We have been calling for sexual orientation to be considered as other protected characteristics for over a decade. This move will also help health services gather evidence on and understand the needs of LGB people.

“We’d also like to see NHS England introduce similar gender identity monitoring for trans and non-binary patients where appropriate.”

However, the Family Doctor Association said it was “potentially intrusive and offensive” for GPs to ask patients about their sexuality, according to the BBC.

Here’s why your NHS doctor and nurse will now ask you about your sexuality