Cancer treatment can be a stressful time for patients and their families. As part of the Duke Cancer Institute’s dedication to whole-patient care, we offer the following services to help make your stay at the hospital easier.

Clinical social workers: These specialists assist with a variety of issues including: emotional and psychological distress; grief, loss, and bereavement; difficult family or social situations; medical crisis and adjustment to illness; substance abuse assessment and referral; family violence and abuse; and cultural concerns. Learn more about services clinical social workers provide to pediatric cancer patients at Duke.

Discount parking passes: Discount parking passes are available on the first floor of Duke University Hospital in the Pink Smock Gift Shop. A pack of 10 passes are sold for $25. If your child is an inpatient for more than 30 days at one time you may be eligible for free parking. You must go to the traffic and parking office in building adjacent to the medical center bookstore to take advantage of this service.

Hospital school: Teachers hired by Durham County Public Schools work specifically with children in the hospital. These teachers can facilitate communication with your child’s school and assist your child in keeping up with schoolwork during their treatments in the hospital.

Child and adolescent life: Child and adolescent life specialists are available to you and your child to assist your child in coping with life in the hospital. Through medical play and other activities, a child life specialist can teach your child about any procedures he or she may have as well as how to cope with them. The playroom is also available to your child if he or she is able to leave their hospital room. To request a child life specialist, please call 919-681-4349.

Wigs and hats: Some patients choose to wear a wig during treatment and some do not. Soft hats are available through your social worker. The Duke Cancer Patient Support Program has a wig room that you and your child are welcome to visit. Synthetic wigs are less expensive than wigs made with real hair. If you would like to consider a wig made of your own child’s hair, you will need to make this decision and have a consultation before your child’s treatment begins.

Chaplains: Chaplains are available 24 hours a day to provide spiritual and emotional support to patients and families of all faiths. A chapel is located on the sixth floor of Duke University Hospital and is open for meditation. Please contact pastoral services at 919-684-3586 for schedules of services or to request a visit by a chaplain. If you would like to speak with a chaplain on the weekend, please call 919-684-8111 and ask for the chaplain on-call.

Banking: There is a Wachovia Bank located in Duke Clinic. Various ATM machines are located on the “T” level of Duke University Hospital. For more information, call 919-684-2322.

Phone calls: Long distance phone cards are available in the Pink Smock Gift Shop, located on the first floor of Duke University Hospital. If you cannot afford a phone card, please talk with your social worker.

Laundry: Washing machines for patients and families are located on the 5300 hallway of Duke University Hospital. Please bring your own detergent or purchase some in the gift shop.

Ronald McDonald family room: This room is provided as a place for family members to go for a break. Kitchen, shower, and laundry facilities are available as well as computers with Internet access.