A patient transfer system for transferring a patient from an operating table to a recovery bed is provided. The patient transfer system comprises first and second support members mounted to a first side of the recovery table. First and second hubs are rotatably mounted to the first and second support members, respectively. A rotatable shaft is mounted between the first and second hubs. First strap and second straps are secured to the rotating shaft with the each strap having a free end. A sheeting material is positionable over the operating table with the free ends of the straps secured to the sheeting material. A cranking mechanism rotates the rotatable shaft. Upon positioning the sheeting material on the operating table and rotating the rotatable shaft, the first and second straps spool about the rotating shaft and pull the sheeting material from the operating table to the recovery bed.