Patient handling apparatus and method

A patient handling apparatus includes an inflatable patient cradle (10″) for holding and supporting a patient in a sitting position when inflated and an air compressor (90) connectable to the cradle to inflate the cradle. The air compressor (90) has a control system for regulating the pressure of inflation of the cradle (10″) in use and is operative in a high pressure mode to bring the cradle to a first pre-defined inflation pressure for use in transferring a patient and operable in a reduced pressure mode to bring at least part of the cradle to a second pre-defined inflation pressure lower than the first pre-defined inflation pressure. In the lower pressure mode, the cradle (10″) is more comfortable to sit on for prolonged periods whilst still providing adequate support to hold a patient upright.