A shower stretcher assembly (10) includes a frame (22) which supports a platform (20) consisting of three mattress support panels (50-54), and a headboard (16) and foot board (18). The support panels (50-54) define a back rest section (30), a seat section (31) and a foot section (32). The seat section (31) is of flexible material to more closely conform to the shape of a person lying thereon. The stretcher assembly (10) is provided with side barriers (68) at each head and foot end, the side barriers (68)arranged to move between a raised vertical position, a raised position extending outwards from the frame, and a lowered position in which they lie alongside the frame so as to be below the level of the mattress of the stretcher. The side barriers present substantially vertical walls to accommodate a water-resistant mattress with side walls (28).
