Construction is underway at the Cypress Regional Hospital for a permanent heliport to be installed.

The hospital has housed both a permanent and temporary heliport before, but the previous permanent one wasn't up to Transport Canada Guidelines.

Derek Miller, executive director of infrastructure management with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said once the construction process is complete the slab of cement will have to pass some tests before being approved.

"The consultants that designed the heliport, they need to come out and do a post-construction inspection to ensure that it was constructed in accordance with the design specifications," Miller said. "Then Transport Canada visit and they go through their process to actually certify the heliport."

The heliport is being constructed on the east side of the hospital’s grounds where the original one was located, right next to the ambulance bays and the emergency department.

Since last October STARS has landed at the Swift Current Airport.

"[It will] alleviate a transfer of a patient from one vehicle to the heliport," he said. "So a better service and reduced travel time for the patient."

Miller added the project is slated to cost around $400,000 and is on budget as of right now.

"We're hoping to have it operational this fall," he said.