Mary Claire Satterly Pediatric Playroom at N.C. Cancer Hospital

“The pediatric oncology floor of the N.C. Cancer Hospital is at the heart of new hospital.”
--Dr. Stuart Gold, NC Children’s Hospital

 The Spirited Mary Claire Satterly Pediatric Playroom will ensure kids Living in the hospital have a place to have fun. Children will be Inspired by the vibrant, bright, and happy décor which will welcome all of its visitors--Giving these pediatric cancer patients a hug of healing and the encouragement they need to get well soon.

(From the left) Dr. Stuart Gold, Joan Satterly, Dr. Chip Satterly's tour of MC's Pediatric Playroom and NC Hospital.

In the Mary Claire Satterly Pediatric Playroom, children will find an inviting playroom that beckons them to enter.  The room will be filled with toys, colors and sunshine, and so that children can enjoy some of the comforts of a more normal childhood during their hospital stay. 

The playroom is being carefully designed by the collaboration of the pediatric oncology staff, parents, education and professionals.  These experts recognize that playing is truly a form of therapy for children patients. Over the years, these doctors and parents have witnessed just how critical it is for children to maintain a playing schedule to cope with intense testing and treatments.

In the Mary Claire Satterly Pediatric Playroom, bright windows will maximum natural light, while cozy nooks will be strategically placed around the room to give children a comfortable place to explore. Shelves will overflow with children's books, educational activities and games.  Children will be inspired to build structures, solve puzzles and tap into their creative forces.  The Playroom designers will make sure that there are plenty of activities for children of all ages.

“MCSpirit!” will reach the Playroom via interactive therapy and educational content, which will be seamlessly integrated in the room.  A trained Recreational Therapist and Child life Specialist, as well as “MCSpirit” volunteers will encourage pediatric patients and parents to express themselves through art therapy, music and journal writing, maybe even a few dance moves!

The North Carolina Cancer Hospital

All patient areas in the New Hospital will combine the most sophisticated technology with attractive surroundings to ensure patients benefit from the best physical and emotional care available.

The UNC Health Care System is constructing the new North Carolina Cancer Hospital on Manning Drive. Connected to the UNC Hospitals complex and convenient to clinical offices and the UNC Lineberger Cancer Research Building, this superb, new facility will be the headquarters for the clinical cancer programs of the UNC Health Care System and its renowned UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

In August 2004, the State of North Carolina authorized $180 million in funding to construct the state-of-the-art hospital. Construction began in October 2005, and the building will open in late 2009. The state’s investment will substantially improve patient care for the citizens of North Carolina and through the stimulation of cancer research, impact the state’s economy and position as a national leader in biotechnology.

North Carolinians from all 100 counties come to UNC for their cancer care. The number of UNC cancer patients has increased 35% in the last six years and is projected to double by the year 2020.

To better serve these patients, this new, integrated space will include:

      Over 320,000 square feet, allowing more room for a growing patient population.

      Expanded and enhanced multidisciplinary clinic space.

      Specially designed facilities for high-technology tumor assessment imaging and treatment.

      A 50-bed inpatient unit and state-of-the-art infusion suite.

      Enhanced amenities for patient treatment as well as patient and family support.

      Teleconferencing facilities to connect UNC physicians and the state’s community-based
          physicians in patient treatment planning.

      A three-fold expansion of dedicated space, specially designed for the growing number of
          pediatric cancer patients.

      A healing environment emphasizing natural light, indoor courtyards, gardens, and public art.