Why Siler City’s Maternity Ward Stands Strong Amid Nationwide Closures

In the past ten years, North Carolina has seen 10 hospitals stop offering maternity care. The only exception? UNC Health Chatham in Siler City.

This facility stands out in a state where rural maternity services are disappearing while cities like Charlotte and Raleigh are expanding. Many rural hospitals are struggling financially, leading to cutbacks. A recent investigation by Carolina Public Press highlighted this trend, showing a shift of services from rural areas to urban centers. Some rural hospitals have had to eliminate crucial OB/GYN services, putting women at risk.

Yet, in Siler City, family medicine doctors manage maternity care instead of specialized OB/GYNs. This approach has led to an increase in women giving birth there, showing a real demand for their services.

But can this model work for other rural hospitals in North Carolina?

In 1991, UNC Health Chatham’s labor unit closed. It wasn’t until nearly 30 years later that a new maternity center opened. This center has faced many challenges, including the global pandemic and staffing shortages, almost closing again just a year after its launch. Now, it’s one of the few remaining options for rural maternity care.

Most rural hospitals claim financial reasons for cutting services, but UNC Health Chatham has shown that alternatives exist.

The idea for the maternity center came from a rural residency program led by Dr. Andy Hannapel. They focused on a solution that would not only fill the gap in services but also introduce a new care model. Instead of using expensive specialists, they involved family doctors to provide care.

In 2019, UNC Health invested $2.6 million to upgrade an area of Chatham Hospital into a five-bed maternity center. Just as things were starting, the pandemic hit.

Birth rates dropped dramatically. With fewer births, the cost per birth rose, adding financial pressure on the hospital. Many rural facilities face the same situation, leading to service cuts.

Staffing issues compounded the problem. Jeffery Strickler, president of UNC Health Chatham, noted that many nurses left during the pandemic, making it even harder to keep the maternity unit open.

In response, a local coalition formed to support the center’s future. Casey Hilliard, a project manager for a community health organization, said they shifted focus from just finances to collaboration. As a result, almost four years later, the center continues to thrive.

UNC Health eventually provided $250,000 for staffing help, which marked a turning point. Since then, the number of births at the maternity center has consistently grown. In 2022, 124 babies were born; in 2023, the number rose to 140; and projections for 2024 sit at around 180. These numbers defy the national trend of declining birth rates.

The rise in births is attributed to strategic efforts to connect with local families, including referrals from other doctors and targeted outreach. Community support has played a crucial role in this success, helping reduce the average travel distance for women seeking care from 35 miles to 16 miles.

Many local women express appreciation for the care they receive. Dr. Hannapel emphasizes a partnership approach, ensuring that women feel heard and respected in their choices. This focus on patient-centered care has been vital in building trust and satisfaction.

As rural healthcare continues to evolve, UNC Health Chatham serves as a hopeful example. Its story highlights the importance of adaptation and community involvement in maintaining critical services.

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