Britain’s healthcare system is being supported by 1.9 million volunteers, worth almost £500m to the NHS, research showed yesterday.

Elderly people’s charity the Royal Voluntary Service found that the contribution of its own hospital volunteers was worth £2.75m alone.

Chief executive David McCullough said that volunteers’ contribution shouldn’t be underestimated.

“Although their work may be simple, it is a source of vital support and we know that the emotional benefits volunteers offer to patients can make a real difference to wellbeing.

“However, to continue to help more people during a hospital stay or on a return home, we need more volunteers to come forward and dedicate just a couple of hours a week or whatever they can.”

The report, based on a survey of more than 2,000 adults, was published to mark Volunteers’ Week, which runs this week.