The lifting structure (1) of a height-adjustable support for patients comprises a telescopic lifting pillar having a fixed pillar structure (2), a linearly displaceable pillar structure (3) movable relative thereto, and a lift drive acting between the fixed and the movable pillar structure. The fixed pillar structure comprises two guide pillars (5) having a cylindrical surface aligned parallel with each other and held spaced apart from each other. The two guide pillars (5) are held spaced apart from each other by way of a spacer element (6) extending between the guide pillars substantially over the entire height thereof. Sliding blocks (22) forming a part of the movable pillar structure (3) and each fitted with at least one slide shell (25) of substantially half-shell form are guided in a sliding manner on the guide pillars (5).
