Ancillary hospital staff, also known as healthcare assistants, provide essential care to support the health and wellbeing of hospital patients. Their work is often supervised by trained doctors, nurses and midwives.

Ancillary hospital staff do not require any set entry qualifications. However, experience of working in a caring role, knowledge of first aid and health and safety, and qualifications in health and social care are advantageous. Unqualified staff may be granted the opportunity to gain health and social qualifications while in employment. A medical check and a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) clearance are required for all ancillary hospital staff roles.

The NHS is the UK's largest employer of ancillary hospital staff. However, jobs can also be found in private hospitals. The availability of permanent and temporary ancillary hospital staff jobs is likely to increase as the population grows in size. Full-time, part-time and temporary jobs may be sought directly from employers or through recruitment agencies.

Inexperienced ancillary hospital staff tend to start on a yearly salary of around £14,000. Those working in and around London are often paid extra. Pay rates may be higher for staff in private healthcare facilities. Those working night shifts, public holidays and weekends may attract higher salaries.