Health Team

First baby delivered at UNC Chatham Hospital in Siler City in 30 years

Before UNC Chatham Hospital opened, some expecting couples had to travel an hour or more to deliver their babies.

Posted Updated

By
Ken Smith, anchor/reporter,
and
Rick Armstrong, photojournalist
SILER CITY, N.C. — Before the new maternity center at UNC Chatham Hospital opened, some expecting couples had to travel an hour or more to deliver their babies.

The new maternity center, located at 475 Progress Boulevard in Siler City, just greeted its first newborn on Sept. 15.

While babies have been delivered in the hospital's emergency department, Se'kani Maurice Foxx, born a healthy 7 pounds, 12 ounces, was the first baby born in the new maternity center. His parents, Jasmine Smith and Shaquille Foxx, already have three other children back home. All three were delivered at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, a lengthy drive from the family's Siler City home.

"Before we started this service, mothers might have to go an hour or more to be able to get to maternity care," said Jeff Strickler, president of UNC Chatham Hospital.

Staff in the maternity ward were excited about the hospital's new service even though it looks different with COVID-19 restrictions in place.

Se'kani's extended family was not allowed in the hospital, relying only on photos and virtual visits.

"They were able to see him. It's just that they are ready to have that face-to-face interaction," said Smith, who said she has "nothing but compliments" for the entire staff.

Smith, 26, is a very busy mom. She will be working from home while caring for her newborn and assisting her other kids with virtual learning.

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.