Elderly Britons could be given volunteer drivers to help 'maintain their independence and wellbeing'

Of these, a staggering 96 per cent have missed more than one appointment, while 69 per cent have missed three or more.

Being unable to drive has "far-reaching effects" for older people as four in 10 say they miss independence and freedom (44 per cent).

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Those surveyed also said not driving has led to them feeling trapped (24 per cent), with one-fifth saying they feel isolated.

Through the Royal Volunteering Service, volunteers can take passengers to and from healthcare appointments, hospital visits and community activities.

While volunteer drivers provide more than transport, they also offer independence and a lifeline to the older person in the passenger seat.

Sam Ward OBE, Deputy Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said: "We’re calling on people across Britain to get behind the wheel and join us as drivers.

"By offering even just a couple of hours of their time, volunteers can help people in their communities to maintain their independence and wellbeing."

Ward added that volunteer drivers are "crucial" for older people by helping them attend important appointments and by keeping them involved in the community.

Data from the NHS found that missed healthcare appointments disrupt care, delay treatment for others and cost the NHS around £216million every year.

Val Mowat, a volunteer with the Royal Voluntary Service’s Fife Transport Service, said the work is essential for those who cannot get around.

They added: "I live a very busy life and thankfully transport volunteering is very flexible so I can fit it into my plans.

"It helps give me balance in my life. It’s important for me to feel like I’m contributing to society, and not just doing things for me. I’d say everyone should give volunteering a go."

More than 15 million GP appointments are being "wasted" every year because patients are not arriving, equating to one in 20 being missed.

Of these, around 7.2 million are with busy doctors, which adds up to more than 1.2 million GP hours wasted each year – the equivalent of over 600 GPs working full time for a year.

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