She added: “Those [concerns] have to be taken into account but it doesn’t seem unreasonable for an elderly lady recovering from a hip operation to be wheeled out to meet her dog, or for him to be brought to her, to say hello.”

The RCN’s survey revealed more than 80% of nursing staff believe animals can improve communication issues for people with conditions such as autism, while 82% said that dogs encouraged physical activity, with many of those saying a dog’s mere presence aided recovery.

Aside from the physical, nine out of 10 nurses surveyed said animals can improve the health of patients with depression and other mental health problems.

Nearly half of those taking part had worked with animals in their career, and of those a huge 98% said it benefited the patient to have animal interaction.

Pets should be allowed in hospitals, new national guidelines urge