The patient transfer sheet (10) acts as a combined sling and bed cover and includes a substantially rectangular sheet portion (22) of a size to fit over a standard bed mattress and to which are attached a plurality of straps (20) for coupling to a hoist (14). The patient transfer sheet (10) is preferably made of a single layered material which is breathable strong and soft. The patient transfer sheet (10) can act as a sling for transportation/repositioning of a patient as well as a replacement bed covering to replace conventional bed linen. The patient can thus be transported onto a bed (30) without needing to remove the patient from the sling.