PRUH joins forces with ECHO charity to create animation for younger patients

11 March 2026 - Animated film launches to support children and families preparing for cardiac appointments

A new resource is allowing children attending a paediatric cardiac clinic appointment at PRUH (Princess Royal University Hospital) to prepare for their visit from the comfort of their own home.

Featuring a range of animated animals, the short film ‘Getting Ready for Clinic with Eddie and Pru’ guides children through a typical visit to a cardiac clinic, with information about medical equipment and testing that might be involved.

The film was developed in collaboration with the paediatric cardiac team at PRUH and the charity ECHO, to provide reassurance to children, younger patients, and their families and carers, as they prepare for a heart appointment.

Dr Ola Elmasry, Consultant Paediatrician with Expertise in Cardiology at PRUH, said: “We know that for some of our patients, the run up to a cardiac clinic appointment can be a stressful time. For parents and carers, there is a lot of uncertainty around what this could mean for their child’s health and future, and children may feel anxiety about what their heart investigation will involve.

“We worked with parents to design a resource that can walk children through a typical cardiac clinic appointment, and we hope it will help ease some of those worries and unknowns.”

Samantha Johnson, CEO of the ECHO charity, said: “At ECHO, everything we do begins with children and families. Working with the team at PRUH, working in the children’s joint cardiac clinic within the CHD Lifelong Network, allows us to make a difference at a moment that can feel overwhelming for many young patients.

“Children tell us how much they love seeing Pru flying around the clinic, and Eddie helps make a hospital visit feel less frightening and more familiar. When children feel prepared and reassured, it eases anxiety for families and supports the clinicians caring for them — helping appointments run more smoothly and reducing missed visits due to worry.

“If we can replace fear with understanding, even in a small way, that’s impact where it matters most.”

Follow this link to view the animation: https://echo-uk.org/getting-ready-for-clinic-with-eddie-and-pru-a-friendly-guide-to-your-cardiac-clinic-visit/