N.C. Cancer hospital holds public open house

The doors for a new age in cancer care have opened.

The N.C. Cancer Hospital held an open house for the public Saturday, opening its spacious, brightly lit halls for medical professionals, community members and cancer survivors.

Visitors stressed how the building’s design and the program’s new resources will revolutionize the way cancer is treated in North Carolina and on the East Coast.

The hospital — which officials hail as a symbol of the quality of care offered — is the clinical home of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Care Center, an interdisciplinary group that studies how to best treat cancer.

With the completion of construction earlier this year, the hospital is now returning to full operation.

The cancer hospital was dedicated on Sept. 15, but the open house gave visitors an opportunity to tour the facility.

As visitors explored the hospital’s many facets, including a photography exhibit titled “The New Face of Cancer Care,” they said the hospital had surpassed expectations.

Mary Sigmon, who arrived in a shirt with the word “survivor” in all caps, said the hospital featured a new, healthier atmosphere.

 “I remember when I was in the old hospital for 12 days in isolation. All I could see out of the window was buildings. It was dark and depressing,” Sigmon said.

“Now, with all the windows and light, it is so spacious.”

As a melanoma cancer survivor, Sigmon said she is required to return every six months for check-ups.

With new space and the opportunity to broaden resources, staff members said the hospital will provide better long-term care for patients like Sigmon.

 Liz Sherwood, coordinator for UNC cancer survivorship programs, explained that in the past, patients were generally diagnosed, treated and then immediately discharged.

She said one of the hospital’s goals is to better monitor the health of patients who have already been treated.

 “With the new focus on survivorship surveillance, we’re interested in finding the new normal for long-term survivors,” she said. “We want to stress advocacy for folks as they finish treatment so they know what they can do to have a better life.”

Opportunities provided under Carolina Well, the UNC-Lineberger cancer survivorship program, also include support programs, broadened clinics and consults for cancer survivors.

“The room and ability to expand resources is tremendous,” said Ellen de Graffenreid, director of communications and marketing. “This will only serve to catalyze more interest in what we have to offer.”

And these efforts are not going unnoticed by local residents.

“I had been coming to the old center for two years with my husband, meeting new staff and faculty,” said Chapel Hill resident Jewel Hoogstoel.

“This hospital will be a great resource to have — a great resource for the East Coast.”


Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.