A shelf assembly includes a shelf and a mounting structure for mounting the shelf on a substantially vertical surface. The shelf is pivotably mounted on the mounting bracket proximate the rear end and pivots from an open position to a closed position and from the closed position to the open position. An engagement structure on the shelf, which may optionally be positioned proximate the rear end of the shelf, is configured so that a force applied to the engagement structure when the shelf is in the closed position will urge the shelf toward the open position. The shelf assembly is particularly useful in hospital settings where hospital staff need to open and close the shelf without the use of their hands.
