The Oscar nominated Irish film makers behind The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea have produced a short film to prepare children for their visit to Temple Street hospital.

The animated film by Cartoon Saloon is narrated by Irish actor Chris O’Dowd of The IT Crowd. It follows Temple Street mascots Ben and Tara through a guided tour of the hospital as they prepare for an operation, introducing them to procedures, equipment and staff members.

Senior Play Specialist at the hospital Caroline Flynn says “by explaining the process in clear and understandable terms to children, it not only greatly reduces their anxiety in advance of the operation but also improves co-operation during procedures.”

Available online

The film will be screened at the hospitals monthly Pre-Admission Club where children are given an introduction to the hospital and will be available online for children across the country to watch.

The project evolved over a two-year period according to chief executive Paul Young. Following the success of Cartoon Saloon’s pre-school series Puffin Rock the hospital considered iPads to screen the show in the wards and wall murals of the characters before finally settling on the animated film.

“A few of us have kids and know how traumatic is can be to go in unprepared,” said Mr Young.

When asked could the film be shared for use by the country’s other children’s hospitals, Temple Street responded that would have to be decided by the makers.

Cartoon Saloon is working with Angelina Jolie to produce its next film, The Breadwinner. The story is about a 12-year -old girl growing up in Afghanistan in 2001. Jolie who has funded multiple schools for girls in Afghanistan will act as executive producer. The film is based on Canadian author Deborah Ellis’s novel of the same name and will premier in 2017.