A handset 2 for controlling a device having a plurality of movable parts defining a support, or a movable surface, the handset comprising a housing 34, a touchscreen display 22 on a front face of the housing, the touchscreen display being adapted to display an image 76 representative of a device or surface to be controlled, and a control system within the housing which is connected to the touchscreen display, the control system comprising an input module which is adapted to receive an input command in the form of a gesture drawn on the touchscreen display, and an output module which is adapted to generate an output control signal, associated with the input command, for transmission to the device or surface. The gesture is preferably in the form of a line, shape or alphanumeric character. The output signal may raise, lower, rotate or laterally move the support or surface. The touchscreen may be separated into a plurality of zones, each zone representing a section of the device or surface to be controlled. Also claimed is an operating table having such a handset, and a method of controlling a device using a handset.
