Neurologists based at Christchurch Hospital will be available to give advice and support to doctors treating stroke patients on the West Coast following the launch of a new telestroke service.

Modelled on the hub-and-spoke service pioneered by Wellington Hospital, six spoke hospitals at Grey Base, Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, Dunstan and Southland will be supported by Christchurch Hospital as a hub, using dedicated video conferencing and CT image technology.