Apparatus and a method are provided for the monitoring of a condition of a person, and more typically a condition of a patient, said apparatus including the provision of a mat having a surface which contacts with a support means 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 sensor means are connected with processing means in order to allow data relating to the said at least one parameter to be collected and processed to generate a value which is indicative of the said parameter at the time of the data collection and hence 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 parts and zones relating to the patient on a real time basis and make this available to carers for the person.
