A Shocking Betrayal: Virginia Nurse in Hot Water Over Infant Injuries

Nurses

Henrico Doctors’ Hospital’s NICU in Virginia became the center of a chilling investigation leading to the arrest of nurse Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, tied to harmful attacks on infants.

At a Glance

  • Erin Strotman, a nurse at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, was arrested for alleged attacks on infants in the NICU.
  • Strotman faces charges of malicious wounding and felony child abuse.
  • The hospital’s NICU closed on Christmas Eve 2024 for security improvements.
  • Authorities are reviewing past cases and video footage as part of the investigation.
  • Parents’ reports of injuries triggered the investigation into Strotman’s actions.

Nurse Arrest and Charges

Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, a registered nurse, was arrested in connection with infants sustaining unexplainable fractures while under her care in the NICU at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital. She now faces charges of malicious wounding and felony child abuse tied to the incidents that occurred in late 2023 and 2024. The hospital’s response includes shutting down its NICU to new patients effective December 24, 2024, to reinforce security and cooperate fully with ongoing police investigations.

On discovering these alarming patterns, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital promptly initiated an internal investigation and informed both families and authorities. Strotman’s nursing license, initially issued in 2019, remains valid until 2026, leaving many perplexed by these grave revelations. Clearly, the implications of this situation extend beyond basic procedural reviews, requiring a deeper reassessment of policies governing neonatal care and overall hospital security measures.

Hospital’s Response and Investigation

In response to the incidents, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital implemented heightened security frameworks ranging from enhanced training to advanced security systems, including live-streaming technology. The hospital’s decisive actions aim to restore trust and assure the community of its commitment to safety. Authorities continue to examine video footage while re-evaluating previous cases from 2023 and 2024 to ensure no additional oversight has occurred.

“We initiated a thorough internal investigation, informed the families and notified the proper authorities and regulatory agencies and worked collaboratively with them on their investigations,” the hospital said in a release.

Henrico Chief of Police Eric D. English commended the investigative pace, emphasizing the necessity for diligence. The hospital confirmed that the suspect, now a former employee, was involved in a series of previous cases that are under renewed scrutiny as investigators continue their work. However, privacy laws limit detailed disclosure, complicating the public’s understanding.

Community Impact and Next Steps

This investigation garnered widespread attention, particularly from affected families, such as the Hackey family, who reported their infant’s injury to Child Protective Services, setting off this crucial examination. Henrico Doctors’ Hospital intends to maintain essential and life-saving services within the community in light of this ordeal, underscoring its longstanding commitment even as trust must be rebuilt.

“Finally we can get some answers as to who abused our son. I wish I could say it was a happy moment learning of her arrest, however, learning the details involving the other babies, the only feeling I have is sadness and regret,” said Dominique Hackey, the father of one of the victims.

As the investigation continues, and with a resolution still pending, the gravity of these charges and the hospital’s response serve as a reminder of the weight that must be placed on oversight within healthcare environments. The priority for authorities and the hospital remains a full investigation into how these unmet safety standards previously allowed vulnerable infants to suffer under their care.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR