Ballarat Health Services is set to tap into the new Victorian Stroke Telemedicine program, led by the Florey Institute, for access to a network of Melbourne-based neurologists to help deliver on-the-spot advice for patients who present to emergency, regardless of their location.

Florey professor Chris Bladin said while there were some patients would still require transfer to Melbourne, this technology could support Ballarat neurologists, like Thomas Kraemer, and his team.

“Stroke patients can come in any time of the day and we can now link up to provide expert, evidence-based, stroke care and treatment at the Ballarat hospital,” Professor Bladin said.

The roll-out coincides with national stroke awareness week, from September 14. For more details on stroke awareness, visit strokefoundation.com.au