Abstract: An overbed table includes a table portion and a telescoping support column. The column includes an outer column portion and an inner column portion. The inner and outer column portions have surfaces adjacent each other. A bearing cage is oriented between the adjacent surfaces of the inner and outer column portions. Bearings are captured between the surfaces and the bearing cage. The bearings engage the surfaces to promote projection of the inner column portion from, and retraction of the inner column portion into, the outer column portion. The overbed table also includes a first table section supported by the column for movement horizontally with respect to the column, and a second table section coupled to the first table section and the column such that movement of the second table section results in sliding movement of the first table section.