Abstract: A patient transfer device comprises a belt connected at its ends to first and second reels and in its extension from the first reel to the second reel defines in turn an upper patient supporting portion and a lower ground engaging portion. Each of said reels is selectively rotatable so that in a first mode of operation of the transfer device with said first reel driven the belt is taken-up by the first reel and let out by the second reel and in a second mode of operation the belt is taken up by the second reel and let out by the first reel. An auxiliary belt take-up and let-out device is connected to the belt at a position between its upper patient supporting portion and its lower ground engaging portion and is selectively lockable to enable the first and second modes of operation to be performed.