In a shocking turn of events, a former nurse at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Virginia has been charged with felony child neglect and malicious wounding after infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) suffered unexplained fractures. Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, 26, appeared in court on January 3, 2025, for an incident that occurred in November 2024. The hospital temporarily halted admissions to its NICU following the discovery of injuries in three babies during late November and December. This case echoes similar incidents from the previous summer involving four other infants. The investigation is ongoing, spanning potential offenses committed over two years.
Details of the Incident
In the crisp chill of early January 2025, Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman faced charges in a courtroom, accused of causing harm to a vulnerable infant in her care. The Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney, Shannon Taylor, stated that Strotman was arraigned on one count of felony child neglect and one count of felony malicious wounding. The alleged injury occurred around November 10, 2024, while Strotman was employed as a nurse at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital. The hospital, known for its decades-long commitment to neonatal care, announced on December 24, 2024, that it would suspend new admissions to its NICU due to the discovery of unexplained fractures in three infants during the late fall months.
The injuries bore resemblance to those found in four infants during the summer of 2023, raising concerns about a pattern of incidents. Authorities have been reviewing extensive footage from inside the NICU and re-examining both sets of cases as part of a broader investigation. Law enforcement has stressed that rumors regarding racial targeting are unfounded based on preliminary findings. HCA Virginia confirmed that Strotman is no longer employed at the hospital. The next court date is set for March 24, 2025, with strict conditions imposed on Strotman, including no contact with children under 18.
The hospital expressed shock and sorrow over the developments, emphasizing its dedication to patient care and support for staff affected by the investigation. Despite this unsettling period, the hospital remains committed to providing essential neonatal services to central Virginia.
This case highlights the critical importance of stringent oversight in healthcare settings, particularly in units caring for the most vulnerable patients. It underscores the need for robust monitoring systems and immediate action upon detecting any anomalies. As the investigation continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the trust placed in medical professionals and the responsibility they bear to ensure patient safety above all else.