A lift assembly for a patient lift system 1 and a patient lift system having a lift assembly comprising: a frame 102 having a proximal end 104 and a distal end 106 and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end a carriage 120 movable relative to the frame substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis an actuator 108 secured to the frame at or around the proximal end 104 of the frame, the actuator being coupled to the carriage for moving the carriage relative to the frame substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis and a line 140 having a first end 142 and a second end 144, the first end of the line being secured to the frame. The carriage comprises a first carriage line guide 130a and the line is arranged to extend from the first end 142 over and around the first carriage line guide 130a and away from the frame 102 to the second end 144. The line is coupled to the carriage at least at the first carriage line guide 130a such that movement of the carriage 120 substantially along the longitudinal axis of the frame 102 draws the line 140 with the carriage and moves the second end of the line towards or away from the frame depending on the direction of movement of the carriage.
