#$%^&*AU2016201097A120160310.pdf#####ABSTRACT A disposable gel pad for cushioning the plate of an operating tables patient support apparatus is a block of gel with one face of the block adapted to locate the pad on the plate. Usually the 5 pad will be enclosed in a film envelope. A pocket in the envelope allows the pad to engage the plate. Stick on patches which provide a pocket and sacroiliac pads are variants. Sacroiliac pads can be cast with a soft gel front for patient contact joined to a hard gel rear for screw or bayonet fixing to the patient support apparatus.114 12 FIGU RE 1 FIGURE 2