An apparatus for the monitoring of a condition of a patient includes a mat 38 has a surface which contacts a support means e.g. mattress, chair and an opposing surface located with respect to at least part of the person so that at least one parameter of the person is monitored by sensor means provided with the mat. The sensors are connected with processing means 94 in order to provide an indication of the condition of the person. The mat includes a plurality of spaced apart sensor means locations so as to provide an accurate collection of data for different zones relating to the patient e.g. head, torso, legs. Pressure, temperature and humidity may be measured. The mat may comprise two layers (58,60 Fig. 2d) having conductive lines (e.g. graphene) perpendicular to one another forming sensing locations where the grid lines overlap.
