Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus and a method of using the apparatus to facillitate the transfer of a patient lying flat, from a first patient support such as a bed or table to a second patient support such as a stretcher, or vice versa. The apparatus includes a substantially rigid, planar board which bridges between the patient supports, and a stop secured to the bottom of the board which fits between the patient supports and abuts the side edge of the receiving patient support to prevent movement of the board as the patient is slid across it. The method relates to using the apparatus to slide a patient from one patient supporting surface to another, particularly on an incline where the first and second patient supports are at different heights.