Visitor Information

Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center welcomes you to our family-centered patient care environment. Our staff provides expert, compassionate care to each of our pediatric patients, and responds to the concerns and needs of their parents and family members.

We understand that entering a hospital can be confusing and overwhelming for children and their families. Whether your child is coming to Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center for a surgical procedure, routine check-up, or an extended stay, knowing as much as possible before your visit can help ease your stress. In addition to excellent clinical care, we provide the information and services that make accessing that care more comfortable and convenient -- from clear directions and adequate parking to dining, banking, area lodging, translation, and other essential services.

In an emergency, call 911. For non-urgent matters, contact the Duke Consultation and Referral Center: 888-275-3853.

Aggressive behavior is not tolerated at Duke Health facilities.

Visiting Hours

Visitor restrictions are in effect. 

Each waiting room area is equipped with games to play until your child is seen by their doctor. There is also a computer with fun video games. If your child does not feel well enough to play, he or she can relax in one of the comfortable chairs and watch TV or sit quietly and read a book. Each waiting room is divided into a Kid Zone and Teen Zone with special furniture for each.

Security​

Since many people go into and out of the hospital at all hours, please leave valuables at home, including expensive clothing, electronic equipment, large sums of money, and valuable jewelry. For safety reasons, Duke Children's recommends that you do not walk alone outdoors at night. Please call Security if you need an escort at 919-684-2444.

A sturdy, longer, height-adjustable changing table is in the women's bathroom on the second floor. It provides a safe, hygienic space to accommodate the diverse personal needs of children and young adults up to 400 pounds.

To call most patient rooms, dial 919-684- followed by the patient’s four-digit room number. If you do not know the patient's room number, call 919-684-2410 to reach our Patient Information Desk. The information desk is located in the main lobby of the Duke University Hospital. If you are a patient and do not want this information released, please tell your nurse or someone on your child’s health care team.

Address mail and flowers to:

Patient’s name and room number
Duke Children’s Hospital
2301 Erwin Road
Durham, NC 27710

General information: 919-684-8111

Please ask correspondents to mark letters clearly as "Patient Mail." After your child leaves the hospital, mail will be forwarded to your home address. Please note that flowers are not allowed on some intensive care units.

You may also send a free card to a patient at Duke Children's Hospital.