ECHO stands for 'examining congenital heart outcomes'. It's a study in which we're trying to understand why babies of different ethnicities born with serious heart conditions in New Zealand have different outcomes. We're doing this study in partnership with Heart Kids.

Any parent(s) or caregiver(s) of a baby recently diagnosed with a life-threatening congenital cardiac condition can take part. Sharing your experience will help us gather information that could help other babies in the future. 

If you take part, you will have two one-hour interviews to talk about your experience of receiving the diagnosis of a heart problem in your child. The interviews will either be by video-conference call or face-to-face at a time and place of your choice. Whānau/ family support are welcome to attend.

To find out more or to register your interest in taking part, please contact the study co-ordinator, Dr Simone Watkins at s.watkins@auckland.ac.nz or on 027 342 5811.

Current participating hospitals

Starship hospital
Honorary Professor Tom Gentles
Cardiologist
TomG@adhb.govt.nz

Christchurch hospital
Dr Elza Cloete
Neonatologist
elza.cloete@cdhb.health.nz

Wellington hospital
Dr Jay Marlow
Fetal medicine specialist
jay.marlow@ccdhb.org.nz