Virginia hospital pauses NICU admissions after babies are found with ‘unexplained fractures’

A hospital in Virginia has suspended all admissions to its neonatal intensive care unit after a number of babies suffered “unexplained” fractures.

Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, says staff discovered in late November and early December that three babies in their care had suffered injuries with no known cause.

The hospital said a similar incident involving four infants occurred in the summer of 2023 and that an internal investigation has now been launched in conjunction with the “appropriate authorities and regulatory bodies.”

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which cares for critically ill newborns, has 40 treatment rooms and the hospital delivers approximately 4,500 babies annually.

Although hospital officials acknowledge that “fractures occur occasionally,” these fractures appeared to be a cause for concern.

It is not known where on the body the fractures occurred and whether any complications or permanent damage occurred as a result of the injuries. Details about either baby are also not available.

Investigators are reviewing video from inside the NICU to determine if there is any staff misconduct or unreported accidents, but so far no evidence has been found.

Additionally, Henrico police told DailyMail.com that no charges have been filed against anyone in connection with these injuries.

A statement on the hospital’s website said: ‘Out of an abundance of caution, we are not admitting additional babies to our NICU at this time.

‘Although fractures occasionally occur in premature infants because they do not have full fetal bone development, we are actively working to determine how these fractures occurred.’

Preterm birth – defined as a birth before 37 weeks’ gestation – has increased by 12 percent over the past decade to 8.7 percent of all births in 2022.

And these babies are at high risk for injuries because they didn’t have enough time to form strong bones in the womb. These weaker bones are more susceptible to fractures.

In addition, the use of certain medications to combat any complications resulting from premature birth can contribute to low mineral levels in the bones, making them more brittle and therefore more prone to fractures and fractures.

Fractures in premature babies usually heal well if the babies are treated extremely gently and given supplemental calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus, all of which help strengthen bones.

However, in rare cases – and depending on the type of fracture – further complications can occur.

A 2020 study found reports of fractures in premature babies are ‘inconsistent’, ranging from two to ten percent.

According to a VK, a fracture of the collarbone is the most common questionnaire analyzing medical records from 2000 to 2016. This fracture is most commonly found in premature babies born vaginally.

Local news channel WRIC reported the news has sent shockwaves through the local community.

Jaron Jacobs, whose daughter was born on Christmas Day at Henrico Doctors Hospital, said: ‘Something like that is really intense… It’s quite scary.

“(Babies) are harmless, they are innocent.

“No matter what happens – injuries – babies are the last ones who should be involved in any kind of accidents or abuse.”

The hospital said it has launched an internal investigation and has notified the parents and “the appropriate authorities and regulatory bodies and is cooperating with them in their investigations.”

In addition, the facility has provided video footage to authorities and health care professionals are reviewing it.

The statement added: “The process is thorough and time-consuming, but they are making steady progress. To date, our review of the videos has found no misconduct or unintentional actions.”

Also the Henrico Doctors Hospital stressed that it has taken “immediate steps” to improve safety measures in the NICU.

This includes requiring all physicians to be accompanied by an “observer” to “ensure all protocols are followed” when performing newborn care.

Other protocols include personal safety training for NICU caregivers, conducting additional examinations of the infants in the unit, training caregivers on how to interact with minors and identifying and reporting suspected neglect or abuse, installing new security systems, implementing from 24/7 camera recording of NICU rooms and live streaming so parents can watch their babies.

Maria Reppas, communications director for the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), told DailyMail.com that the agency is working with the hospital on the investigation.

She said, “The health and safety of those receiving care in this NICU have been and will continue to be our top priority.

“VDH’s Office of Licensure and Certification, in coordination with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), took immediate action to identify potential problems and is monitoring specific corrective actions.

“We are working closely with other state and local partners, including the Henrico Police Department and the Virginia State Police.”

A spokesperson for the Henrico Police Department told this website that detectives are working on the case and that “no charges have been filed at this time.”

Due to the sensitive medical nature of the investigation, they said additional details will be limited until the case is concluded.

Other agencies involved in the investigation include Child Protective Services of Henrico’s Department of Social Services and the Attorney General’s Office.