NHS bosses are advising doctors to tell patients which pronouns they prefer to be addressed by.
A new training module tells medics to reveal whether they go by he/him, she/her or they/them.
The move aims to create a “safe space” for transgender and non-binary patients - who make up 0.5 per cent of Britain’s population.
Advice is featured in a training guide by Health Education England - which critics claim enjoys a close relationship with LGBT charity Stonewall.
The module, titled ‘LGBTQIA+ Awareness’ says: “The easiest thing to do is to start by introducing yourself with your own pronoun.
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“In doing so you are creating a safe space for trans, non-binary, intersex and gender non-conforming people who may not feel comfortable to go first in introducing themselves with pronouns.”
The guide also says that trans staff must be allowed to use toilet facilities for the gender they identify as regardless of whether they have physically transitioned.
The NHS defended the module - insisting that it was only optional for staff.
An NHS spokesman said: “While the NHS is committed to tackling health inequalities and improving access and experience for LGBT communities, this online module is not NHS policy, and it is optional for staff.”