A patient sling (10) is formed of plastics sheet or moulded plastics or textile material (16) having a back support portion (12) and a patient seat support portion (14). Two straps (30, 32) are coupled to respective side flanges (18, 20) of the back rest support (12), while two straps (36, 38) are coupled to respective side flanges (22, 24) the seat support portion (14) and connect to the straps (30, 32). The straps (36, 38) can be adjusted in length and also detached from the upper straps (30, 32) in order to adjust the configuration of the seat support portion (14). The seat support portion (14) includes a cut out (44) for assisting a patient in effecting bodily functions and fold lines (52, 54, 56) can also enable the seat support portion (14) to be either partially folded or fully folded back in order to assist a patient in dressing and undressing, while continuing to be retained and supported by the back rest support portion (12).
