4 Dec, 13, Source: Regina Qu’Appelle

The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is ready to land at Regina General Hospital now that Transport Canada has certified the new $3.4 million rooftop heliport for use.

“Landing directly at Regina General will allow our emergency services to get patients in southern Saskatchewan to a critical care team about 15 minutes faster,” Health Minister Dustin Duncan said.  “For a patient, that can make a significant difference.  This enhances emergency services for people in rural and remote areas in southern Saskatchewan.”

“The Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region is proud to be home to the first rooftop heliport in Saskatchewan, saving precious minutes for those with critical care needs,” Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region President and CEO Keith Dewar said.  “With the heliport in place, we look forward to enhancing our critical care program in the region, including implementing a critical care team leader program, which we are discussing with the Ministry of Health.”

“This heliport is an important step for improving access to emergency care,” STARS medical director and transport physician Dr. Terry Ross said.  “Every second counts when dealing with critically ill and injured patients, so landing right on the roof of the General will help us save time and lives.”

The hospital will be ready to receive patients at the heliport in mid-December, as soon as all hospital staff involved in helicopter landings have completed training.

Funding for the new heliport was provided by the provincial government.  A similar heliport will be installed on the roof of the new Children’s Hospital of Saskatchewan to allow quick access to that hospital and the adjacent Royal University Hospital.  Completion of construction is expected by the end of 2016.

The Ministry of Health plans to support the development of future helipads in Saskatchewan based on patient call volumes, evaluations from helipad consulting engineers and by identifying strategic locations that can be most effectively served by a helicopter.

With the helicopter air medical program, Saskatchewan continues to enhance access to emergency medical services.  This service, along with the province’s fixed-wing air ambulance program and other emergency medical services, is an essential component of the total patient care system.

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