For the first time in almost 30 years, UNC Chatham Hospital in Siler City delivered a new baby. The hospital's Maternity Care Center opened earlier this month on September 8.
Se'kani Maurice Foxx was born September 15 to parents Jasmine Smith and Shaquille Foxx. Weighing in at 7 pounds 12 ounces, Se'kani was the first baby born in Chatham Hospital's new Maternity Care Center. Smith and Foxx have three children at home, all of whom were born at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, WRAL reports, which was a fairly long drive from their 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.
Because of COVID-19, family and friends were not allowed to visit at the hospital, but they have seen the newborn in photos and video shared by Smith and Foxx.
"They were able to see him, it's just that they are ready to have that face-to-face interaction," said Smith.
In a press release, Strickler said they had close partnerships with many community partners on the new maternity center and worked "hand-in-hand" with the county health department and Piedmont Health Services.
"Our staff knows that Chatham Hospital is on the cutting edge with this project, and going against the national trend, so in some ways the eyes of the country are watching us," said Strickler.
Photo: Getty Images