Dozens forced to travel interstate for testing after minister culls services
Dozens of families are being forced to travel interstate for specialised testing after Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson suspended the service locally.
The genetic disorder tuberous sclerosis causes brain tumours and seizures that need screening four times a year.
Special equipment called video electroencephalogram records brainwaves over multiple days, identifying when treatment is needed.
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The Kovacevics are among 35 families impacted by the minister's decision, forced to take their daughter Katalina out of the state for specialised testing. Nine
Sanderson suspended the specialist service two months ago due to staff shortages, meaning patients with tuberous sclerosis need to travel to another state for testing.
The Kovacevics are among 35 families impacted by the decision, forced to take their daughter Katalina out of the state for specialised testing.
"We knew she was having regular seizures and there was nothing we could do. We just had to sit and watch it damage our child," Kristen Kovacevic said.
"When you compare it to other states you realise how behind [Western Australia] is."
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Special equipment called video electroencephalogram, records brainwaves over multiple days, identifying when treatment is needed. Nine
The family also claims their daughter's brain surgery was cancelled a week before the scheduled date due to a lack of surgical equipment.
Sanderson said it was "incredibly challenging" to find staff to run the equipment due to the "highly specialised [and] niche" nature of the workforce.
It's predicted that the testing will not be available for up to a year while the government works to recruit specialist staff.
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