Abstract: A lateral transfer accessory (LTA) expands the capabilities of overhead ceiling lifts(OCLs). The accessory includes passive mechanical components requiring no electrical power supply or batteries. The accessory is powered by the OCL. In a particular embodiment, the LTA is a mobile unit positioned adjacent to the side of a patient's bed or gurney. A pair of releasable patient draw straps are secured to and coiled around patient draw pulleys. The free ends of the draw straps are attached to the draw sheet beneath the patient. A drive pulley carries a drive strap. The drive strap is secured to the pull strap of the overhead ceiling lift (OCL) positioned over the accessory. The OCL is controlled to draw out the drive strap from the accessory to thereby operate the main drive. The main drive, in turn, actuates the patient draw pulley to retract the patient draw straps attached to the draw sheet and thereby laterally transfer the patient.