A patient handling apparatus (10, 10b) comprising: one or more sensors (29, 29b) detecting a configuration of the patient handling apparatus, and an indicator device (30, 30a, 30b, 130) operatively associated with the one or more sensors, the indicator device comprising: a user interface (46, 46a, 46b) allowing input of patient type information, wherein the patient type information is a stable patient type or an unstable patient type relating to a degree and/or level of patient mobility; and an indicator (40, 42, 44, 44a, 44b) that issues a status notice based on the entered patient type information and the detected configuration of the patient handling apparatus sensed by the one or more sensors, wherein the resultant output status notice is a suitable-for-patient status or an unsuitable-for-patient status; wherein, the patient handling apparatus further comprises a plurality of casters (12, 74b) and one or more brakes (14, 76b) selectively braking the plurality of casters, wherein at least one of the sensors (29, 29b) comprises a brake sensor for detecting whether the plurality of casters are locked by one or more brakes, wherein the indicator (40, 42, 44, 44a, 44b) comprises a brake indicator (52, 52b) that issues a brake status notice, and wherein the indicator device (30, 30a, 30b, 130) is configured as a portable, hand held device detachably coupled to one or more portions of the patient handling apparatus. one or more sensors (29, 29b) detecting a configuration of the patient handling apparatus, and an indicator device (30, 30a, 30b, 130) operatively associated with the one or more sensors, the indicator device comprising: a user interface (46, 46a, 46b) allowing input of patient type information, wherein the patient type information is a stable patient type or an unstable patient type relating to a degree and/or level of patient mobility; and an indicator (40, 42, 44, 44a, 44b) that issues a status notice based on the entered patient type information and the detected configuration of the patient handling apparatus sensed by the one or more sensors, a user interface (46, 46a, 46b) allowing input of patient type information, wherein the patient type information is a stable patient type or an unstable patient type relating to a degree and/or level of patient mobility; and an indicator (40, 42, 44, 44a, 44b) that issues a status notice based on the entered patient type information and the detected configuration of the patient handling apparatus sensed by the one or more sensors, wherein the resultant output status notice is a suitable-for-patient status or an unsuitable-for-patient status; wherein, the patient handling apparatus further comprises a plurality of casters (12, 74b) and one or more brakes (14, 76b) selectively braking the plurality of casters, wherein at least one of the sensors (29, 29b) comprises a brake sensor for detecting whether the plurality of casters are locked by one or more brakes, wherein the indicator (40, 42, 44, 44a, 44b) comprises a brake indicator (52, 52b) that issues a brake status notice, and wherein the indicator device (30, 30a, 30b, 130) is configured as a portable, hand held device detachably coupled to one or more portions of the patient handling apparatus.