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Resources at the N.C. Cancer Hospital

In addition to the The Patient Family Resource Center, the central location of the Comprehensive Cancer Support Program, your nurse navigator can help you find out information about your diagnosis and its treatment.

UNC Social Work services can help you cope with the illness and its treatment, find support near your home to help you manage.

Dining Options at the Hospital

Dining and Meal Service

UNC Hospital

A variety of dining options are available for all visitors of UNC Medical Center. This encompasses dining venues in other medical buildings connected to the N.C. Cancer Hospital.

Freedom Pay

UNC Hospital

A convenient way to make purchases at cafeterias without having to have your wallet or money with you. To learn more, see a hospital cafeteria assistant or see Freedom Pay. A Freedom pay kiosk is located in the Terrace Café in the Children’s Hospital. If you are staying with a loved one in the hospital and find it convenient to order from the cafeteria menu directly from your room, you can order and pay for your meal by phone using your Freedom Pay account.

Carolina Dining Services

UNC-Chapel Hill

When you are at the N.C. Cancer Hospital, you are also on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill. If you and your loved one are interested in taking a walk or short bus ride to explore the campus, you will find a number of different dining options near the hospital. Carolina Dining Services lists their location and hours.

Health Information

Health Sciences Library

The library is close to the hospital. Librarians at UNC’s Health Sciences Library can help you find the health information you need! Call, drop by, or for an immediate reply:

HSL Ask Us Chat
Phone: (919) 962‐0800
Text: (919) 584-5931

NC Health Info

NC Health Info is an online guide to websites of quality medical information that can help you understand and manage many frequently diagnosed health conditions, including cancer. The site is available in English and Spanish and is a service of the UNC – Health Sciences Library

UNC Medical Center offers an online health library as an additional resource for patients and families to learn about conditions and treatments, and to answer other health-related questions. It includes interactive tools that can help you make smart decisions for a healthier life, and symptom checkers.

Cancer Conversations

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center offers an archive of educational cancer webinars for the public.

Whether you are worried about your risk for getting cancer or trying to stay well after treatment, you’ll find the answers you need in language that is easy to understand. Presented by UNC’s national experts, these cancer webinars are designed to help people learn about:

  • Reducing risks for cancer
  • Causes of cancer
  • Cancer signs/symptoms
  • Basic information about cancer
  • Finding cancer resources
  • Staying healthy after treatment ends

Housing and Places to Stay

There are many cost effective options for housing within a short distance from the N.C. Cancer Hospital.  The staff at the Patient and Family Resource Center can offer guidance.

Places to Stay

A list of housing options for you and your family, regardless of how long you need to stay in the area. Includes free housing for family members and discounted hotel accommodation options.

MedStay

A hotel reservation service specifically for patients coming to Duke and UNC Hospitals, which works with local hotels to make sure that patients and their families are receiving the lowest rates possible, with the best amenities to make their lives more comfortable.

Outside Spaces

You and your loved one may be spending most of your time inside the hospital. It is important to step outside every now and then to get some fresh air. Below is a list of outside spaces at the N.C. Cancer Hospital and city of Chapel Hill that both caregivers and hospital staff recommend:

Outside Patio

Located outside of the Starbucks in the lobby of the N.C. Cancer Hospital, the patio has chairs and tables with umbrellas so you can sit in the sun or the shade. The area is fenced-in so children can run around to burn some energy.

Labyrinth

Located just outside of the N.C. Cancer Hospital, you can walk the labyrinth to gather your thoughts or sit nearby on a bench. It can be accessed by taking the elevator to the basement level and exiting the glass doors by Radiology.

UNC-Chapel Hill Campus

The University of North Carolina is known for its beautiful, historic campus. Since students are always walking to and from class, there are plenty of well-lit sidewalks and crosswalks, which makes it a safe and enjoyable place to walk.

Central campus map

North Carolina Botanical Garden

Just a few minutes’ drive from the N.C. Cancer Hospital, there are multiple gardens with walking paths that are free to the public.

Parking & Transportation

See New Patients Parking & Transportation.

Places Nearby

If you are new to Chapel Hill you may not be familiar with the area surrounding the N.C. Cancer Hospital. Whether you are here with your loved one for just a few days or a longer period of time you may want to know where you can buy everyday items, get a bite to eat or just get away from the hospital for a little while. This page should help you find your way around Chapel Hill so you can easily navigate to the places where you need to go.

Pharmacy

Both CVS and Walgreens are just a short bus ride away, on Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill.

Restaurants

Downtown Chapel Hill

The town of Chapel Hill provides a comprehensive list of dining options in town from quick to-go meals to places you can enjoy a sit down meal with your family or friends.

Shopping

Downtown Chapel Hill

If you find that you need clothes, shoes, gifts or just want to browse to get away from the hospital for a few hours, Chapel Hill has a number of shopping options.

Recreation

There are plenty of ways to get exercise and stay healthy during your time in Chapel Hill. Check out a local park to take a stroll, attend a free community activity at the Carrboro Century Center or check out other Parks and Recreational facilities in Chapel Hill. Patients and caregivers at the N.C. Cancer Hospital are eligible for passes to attend the local YMCA. For more information and to receive these passes, please contact the Patient and Family Resource Center at (984) 974-8100.

Quiet Spaces

While at the N.C. Cancer Hospital there may be times when you need a quiet space to rest your mind. The small Reflection/Meditation room and the Chapel are always open to provide a place of peace and renewal for patients, visitors and staff affected by cancer. These spaces can be found on the ground floor of the N.C. Cancer Hospital.

Shops in the Hospital

Butterfly Boutique

Located on the first floor of the N.C. Cancer Hospital, this gift shop has a wide selection of snacks, gifts, collectible items, and UNC logo merchandise. For more information on items sold in the Butterfly Boutique, please call (984) 974-8138.

Cranberry Corner

Located in Memorial Hospital, just behind the information desk, this gift shop is larger than the Butterfly Boutique and carries more items. For more information about Cranberry Corner, please call (984) 974-8740.

Spiritual & Pastoral Care

Other Triangle Area Support Groups

See the CCSP Support Calendar and Counseling/Support for UNC and affiliated support programs.