Attending a paediatric cardiac clinic appointment can sometimes feel a little daunting, for children and caregivers alike. ECHO has created this short animation collaboratively, to prepare families for their appointment. Showing you exactly what to expect.

Eddie and friends guide you through the different tests you will expect to see along the way. Taking the unknown and making it more familiar, in a way that is understandable to young children.

• Download our What to expect leaflet

Eddie has met a new friend at his clinic appointment; can you spot them?

When your child is referred for heart investigations, there is a lot of uncertainty around what this means for your child’s health and future. You are also worried that they may become anxious or scared about what this the actual hospital visit will involve.

These resources were developed by parents and healthcare professionals to help you and your child understand what the appointment will be like to remove any element of fear or uncertainty. You can read and/or watch them together with your child at your own time and pace, and in the comfort of your home. We hope that this will allay some of the anxiety around the appointment.

Dr. Ola Elmasry - Consultant Paediatrician with expertise in Cardiology

My daughter has autism, so the school and myself have been trying to find something to show her to prepare her for the appointment but hadn't found anything. The video was great!

I'm a speech and language therapist, so l am also very interested in things like this. I think this video is an amazing way to prepare the children for the appointments.

The ECHO video really helped to explain what the appointment involved - my son has never had one before so it really helped - thank you!!