Patient lift apparatus

There is described a patient lift apparatus (1) comprising a supporting frame (10), a boom portion (18) connected to the supporting frame (10), and a spreader element (25) coupled to the boom portion (18) via a coupling member (20). The boom portion (18) and coupling member (20) are joined by a pivot joint (PJ2) allowing the coupling member (20) and associated spreader element (25) to pivot with respect to the boom portion (18) about a pivot axis (PA2). According to one aspect of the invention, the patient lift apparatus (1) further comprises a damping element (50) coupled between the boom portion (18) and the coupling member (20) to damp rocking movement of the coupling member (20) and spreader element (25), which damping element (50) is a linear damper having a first end (50A) connected to the boom portion (18) and a second end (50B) connected to the coupling member (20). According to another aspect of the invention, the patient lift apparatus (1) further comprises a quick release mechanism (30, 200) to release the spreader element (25) from the boom portion (18).