Abstract: A method is disclosed for transferring a patient in a prostrate position sidewise between a bath tub (20, 20A, 20C) and bed (10, 10A, 10C) without lifting of patient (P). The method includes the steps of sliding a patient P over a front side (76) into the bottom (70) of the tub for bathing the patient, and returning the patient after bathing over the front side to the bed (20). The front side (76) of the tub (20, 20A, 20C) overlaps the mattress (12, 12A, 12C) and is supported thereon. The bed frame (14, 14B) and mattress (12, 12B) are movable vertically for raising and lowering the tub (20, 20A, 20C). The patient is moved into and out of the tub (20, 20A, 20C) when the tub (20, 20A, 20C) is in a lowered position, and is bathed with the tub in the raised position.