The community of Wadena is investigating the construction of a helipad at the hospital for STARS Air Ambulance.

About a year ago Transport Canada designated Wadena as a built-up area, which meant STARS could no longer land at its traditional spot across the street from the hospital, said Rod MacKenzie, executive director of provincial services and community care for the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

STARS now lands in a farmer’s field north of town.

This means patients require an additional ambulance ride to STARS from the hospital, delaying care and adding additional costs, since ambulance transportation isn't insured.

The community commissioned a feasibility study from Aviotec consultants and will have meetings in the near future to decide whether to go ahead, MacKenzie said.

The community would have to cover the entire $350,000 to $500,000 cost of construction, with the health authority then paying for operation and maintenance.

If Wadena decides to proceed they would meet with the health authority to work through the next steps.

It would likely take about a year from the time the health authority gives its go-ahead to the helipad being operational, MacKenzie said.