Mums are acting as unofficial health professionals and saving the NHS millions in the process, a survey has found.

Mothers make an average of more than nine diagnoses every year and in total they are administering 82.8million doses of medication, according to the survey by Lloydspharmacy. The cost the NHS saves is calculated as £825million.

Andy Murdock, pharmacy director for Lloydspharmacy, said: “Our research shows that modern mums have a good grasp of a broad range of conditions, including infection control, first aid and dermatology.”

But Mr Murdock warned that a lack of good advice could lead to inappropriate treatment. He said: “Mums need reliable information to help back up their judgement. Much of the health information on the internet is good, but some of it is suspect.”