Bed to Wheelchair with Board - Finding Your Feet and NHS Scotland

Key Steps — Transfer-board move — bed to wheelchair

Demonstrated by Finding Your Feet with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. A board transfer suits a patient with good upper-body strength and sitting balance who cannot stand.

1. Assess the patient and have help available; explain each stage before you begin.
2. Position the wheelchair close beside the bed at a slight angle, on the side the patient will move toward, and lock both sets of brakes.
3. Remove or swing away the wheelchair's armrest and footrests on the transfer side.
4. Sit the patient on the edge of the bed with feet supported, and help them lean slightly away from the chair.
5. Slide one end of the transfer board under the patient's thigh and rest the other end securely on the wheelchair seat, making a flat bridge with no gap.
6. The patient places their hands flat — one on the bed, one on the board or chair seat — keeping fingers clear of the gap between board and seat.
7. In a series of small lifts and shuffles, the patient moves across the board toward the chair while you guard from the front, supporting the trunk or legs as needed.
8. Pause halfway to check position and balance before continuing.
9. Once fully across, help the patient sit upright and centred on the chair seat.
10. Remove the board, replace the armrest and footrests, position the feet, check comfort, and document the transfer.

Steps summarise this demonstration for education. Always follow your institution's protocol. More Patient Care & Mobility skills →