NHS staff in England have been told that they should no longer help people access gay conversion therapy. The treatment isn't offered on the NHS, but it's understood some staff have occasionally put patients in touch with organisations who provide it.

Experts say attempting so-called "gay cures" can be "dangerous" and "damaging". Fourteen organisations, including NHS England, have signed an agreement to stop gay conversion therapy being offered to patients. Although in general, referrals to conversion services are rare - there is evidence that GPs, counsellors and psychotherapists have made them.

The agreement, The Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy in the UK, makes it clear that NHS England, the organisation which has day-to-day responsibility for running the National Health Service, "does not endorse or support conversion therapy" and will make this clear to staff.

It essentially means GPs will not be able to refer patients for gay therapy and that no-one employed by the NHS can provide it. Read More