A patient transfer aid comprising an open-ended tube (11; 39 Figs 6 and 8) of flexible sheet material with a low-friction internal surface and a laminar element such as a pod or turntable (12; 45; 67) associated with the outside of the tube (11; 39) such that the laminar element (12; 45; 67) can be superposed on the tube collapsed on itself and can be urged, in use, in a direction transverse the axis of the tube to slide it with the underlying upper layer (11a) of the tube on the lower layer (11b) to displace a patient resting on the laminar element linearly from one position to another. Preferably, straps 24 or pull handles are provided. The laminar element is preferably multi-layer and preferably has pockets for the insertion of rigid reinforcing elements (31, 66). The association of the laminar element (12; 45; 67) with the said tube may be releasable engagement by frictional contact or releasable fastening elements, or may alternatively be a permanent association by fixing such as stitching, moulding or adhesive.
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