In a shocking development, a former employee of Henrico Doctors’ Hospital has been charged with criminal offenses after multiple babies suffered unexplained fractures in the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, 26, was arrested and charged in connection with a series of alarming events involving infants' injuries in 2023 and 2024, as Breitbart reports.

Virginia Hospital Under Scrutiny After Arrest

Strotman hails from Chesterfield County and faces charges of malicious wounding and felony child abuse stemming from an incident that occurred in November 2024. Her ties to the hospital have come under intense scrutiny as details of these incidents have emerged.

The investigation was prompted by the discovery of unexplained fractures in multiple infants at the hospital’s NICU during November and December 2023. Alarmingly, these incidents appeared to mirror earlier occurrences that affected four babies in the summer of 2023, escalating concerns about systemic issues within the facility.

The hospital made a critical decision on Christmas Eve not to take in new NICU patients, at least temporarily. This was part of its broader strategy to ensure patient safety and prevent further incidents from occurring.

Security Measures Enhanced Amid Investigation

Strotman, who was previously employed at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, has been at the center of this unfolding situation. The police are meticulously examining NICU surveillance videos to uncover the full scope of what transpired across numerous cases over the past two years.

Responding proactively, Henrico Doctors' Hospital launched its own internal investigation and informed all relevant parties about these troubling developments. Efforts have focused on bolstering safety protocols within the NICU. Among the measures introduced is a new security system incorporating live-streaming technology, designed to enhance monitoring capabilities and provide a higher level of protection for vulnerable patients.

Importance of Thorough Investigation Emphasized

Noah Hackey, one of the infants injured in 2023, endured a fractured tibia in September. Noah’s parents were devastated as they sought answers and justice for the harm inflicted upon their child.

An official report by Henrico’s Department of Social Services confirmed a level 1 physical abuse case for Noah at the hands of a hospital employee, further intensifying the call for accountability.

"We are anxiously waiting to hear that they were able to find the person liable for this," said Noah's father, Dominique, expressing the family's desire for resolution and accountability.

Authorities Work Diligently to Uncover Details

Henrico Police Chief Eric D. English acknowledged the dedication and patience of families and the public as authorities navigate the complexities of this case. "We appreciate the families’ and public’s patience as we work as thoroughly and expeditiously as possible to investigate every piece of evidence in connection to these cases," stated Chief English.

The investigation is extensive, involving collaboration with multiple agencies, including Henrico County’s Child Protective Services, the Virginia State Police, and the Office of the Attorney General.

Chief English also expressed appreciation for the detectives and supporting organizations, recognizing the exhaustive effort required to thoroughly examine the available evidence and footage pertaining to these disturbing events.

Help Offered to Affected Families and Staff

The hospital expressed its grief and commitment to patient care through a series of statements. "We are both shocked and saddened by this development in the investigation and are focused on continuing to care for our patients," the hospital stated.

Henrico Doctors’ Hospital also extended gratitude to colleagues who have remained dedicated to patient well-being amidst the investigation. The hospital acknowledged the vital role of law enforcement and other agencies in addressing these unfortunate occurrences.

"We are grateful to those colleagues, who have dedicated their professional lives to the care and safety of our patients," the hospital emphasized, highlighting the unity and resolve among staff during these challenging times.

Hospital Explores Causes of Infant Fractures

In light of these events, discussions have arisen regarding how such injuries happen, particularly in premature infants. The hospital noted, "While fractures occasionally happen with pre-term babies since they lack full fetal bone development, we are actively working to determine how these fractures occurred."

The NICU at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital is known for serving vulnerable patients, making the incidents all the more concerning. Enhanced measures aim to restore trust and safeguard the most fragile patients in the facility.

As the investigation progresses, the community hopes for clarification and the implementation of measures to prevent any recurrence of these lamentable incidents.