Children needing testing for conditions including epilepsy, sleep disorders and brain tumours at Ballarat Health Services are being forced to wait almost two months or travel to Melbourne after technical issues delayed an equipment upgrade at the hospital.
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BHS's electroencephalogram (EEG) machines are being upgraded to provide clearer scans but a technical issue has resulted in non-urgent pediatric appointments being rescheduled for late February.
The upgrade was scheduled for early December but, as of the first week of January, it has been unable to be completed and it is unknown how long the machines will now be out of order for.
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An electroencephalogram is used to measure electrical activity of the brain via electrodes applied to the scalp.
Parents who asked if there was an alternative available were told they could organise to have the test done at the Royal Children's Hospital or Monash Hospital.
A hospital spokesperson said three non-urgent pediatric appointments had been rescheduled as a result of the upgrade delay. There have been no pediatric emergency cases but if one was to arise they would be referred to the Royal Children's Hospital.
Adult cases are being treated as usual.
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