Press Article: Siler City’s UNC Health Chatham Defies Maternity Care Trend in North Carolina
In a concerning trend over the past decade, North Carolina has seen 10 hospitals eliminate maternity care services, with only UNC Health Chatham in Siler City bucking this trend by reopening its maternity center. This facility stands as a lone beacon in a landscape where rural areas grapple with the loss of essential OB/GYN services, often due to financial constraints.
Research by Carolina Public Press highlights how hospital systems have increasingly concentrated maternity services in urban centers, leaving rural women vulnerable. In stark contrast, UNC Health Chatham has reorganized maternity care by utilizing family medicine doctors instead of relying solely on specialized OB/GYNs—a move aimed at making care more accessible and cost-effective.
Originally closing its maternity unit in 1991, the center was reopened in 2019 following a $2.6 million renovation. However, the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, including dropping birth rates and staffing shortages, leading to reduced operational hours.
In response, community stakeholders rallied to secure the center’s future. Their efforts, combined with an infusion of $250,000 from UNC Health to hire additional nurses, resulted in a remarkable turnaround. The hospital has witnessed a steady increase in births, from 124 in 2022 to 140 in 2023, with forecasts predicting up to 240 babies born in 2025.
Dr. Andy Hannapel asserts that the success of UNC Health Chatham lies in its commitment to community involvement and support. By prioritizing patient needs and actively fostering care relationships, the center is redefining maternity care in rural North Carolina, proving that sustainable models can thrive even amidst challenging times.
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