The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) consulted with the City of Prince Albert and STARS regarding the upgrades to the heliport at Victoria Hospital.(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Health care service

Hospital heliport upgrades take off

Oct 1, 2019 | 5:00 PM

Over the next several weeks, a brand new heliport will begin to take shape across from the Victoria Hospital parking lot.

According to a press release Tuesday from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), the upgrade was needed to ensure the Victoria Hospital Heliport meets Transport Canada’s standards for heliport certification.

The upgrades to the heliport will include adding safety features, such as fencing and markings/lighting for a safe flight path. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

During the temporary closure for the construction and certification period, the SHA has arranged for patients requiring transportation by STARS, to be transported by ground ambulance from the hospital to the Prince Albert Airport. The patient will then receive a bill from the ground ambulance provider for the transport. The cost will be in addition to any bill for air medevac transport sent by the Ministry of Health.

The SHA has committed to minimizing traffic disruptions for hospital and emergency room visitors during this construction period. If a traffic or parking detour is required, signs will be posted to assist the public.

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