The patient monitoring system comprises at least one load cell element (12) mounted in relation to a support surface, the load cell element (12) determining movement of a person on a support surface. The movement is determined based on a reference (31) measured using the load cell element (12) when the person is positioned on the support surface in a reference position and the subsequent load changes determined using the load cell element in relation to the reference. If the load change exceeds a pre-defined threshold, an alarm (18) is activated. The user is able to set the threshold value of the alarm system according to the physical condition of the patient. For example, in some cases it is necessary to be notified about any movements and in others only major movements are of interest. The patient monitoring system is able to provide a flexible means of monitoring of a patient by a nurse or carer.
