Case Study: Chatham Hospital The Clinical and Business Cases for Opening a Maternity Care Unit in a CAH

Chatham Hospital is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital (CAH) located in Siler City, NC. The hospital, accredited by The Joint Commission, provides surgical, medical, pediatric, maternal and emergency services. Community-based outpatient services also are offered. The 10-bed emergency department provides full-service around-the-clock care. In 2008, the hospital was acquired by University of North Carolina (UNC) Health. UNC Health Care bases a helicopter for transport on the grounds of Chatham Hospital.

Until 1991, the hospital had a maternity care unit; however, as is the case at many small rural hospitals birth numbers declined, local obstetricians discontinued services, and the maternity unit closed leaving Chatham County without any obstetrical services. While there are clinics that provide affordable prenatal care, there is no birthing center in Chatham County. Clients of these clinics located in the western end of the county, must travel 45 minutes or more to places like UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill to deliver.

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