A Virginia hospital has suspended all admissions to its neonatal intensive care unit after a number of infants sustained “unexplained” fractures.
Dr. Henrico Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, said staff discovered three hospitalized infants with unexplained injuries in late November and early December.
The hospital said a similar incident involving four infants occurred in the summer of 2023 and that it has now launched an internal investigation in cooperation with “appropriate authorities and regulatory authorities.”
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which treats critically ill newborns, has 40 treatment areas and delivers approximately 4,500 babies each year.
Although hospital officials acknowledge that “fractures do occur from time to time,” these fractures appear to be cause for concern.
It was not disclosed where in the body the fracture occurred or whether the injury caused any complications or permanent damage. Details about the infant are also unknown.
Investigators are reviewing video footage from inside the NICU to see if there was any wrongdoing by staff or unreported incidents, but so far they have found no evidence of that.
Additionally, Henrico Police told DailyMail.com that no one has been charged in connection with these injuries.
A Virginia hospital has suspended all admissions to its neonatal intensive care unit after a number of infants sustained “unexplained” fractures.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we will not be admitting any additional babies to the NICU at this time,” a statement on the hospital’s website said.
“Fractures can occur in preterm infants because the fetal bones are not fully developed, and we are actively working to understand how these fractures occur. Masu.”
Preterm births (defined as births before 37 weeks of gestation) have increased by 12 percent over the past decade, reaching 8.7 percent of all births in 2022.
And because these babies didn’t have enough time to form strong bones in the womb, they’re at a higher risk of injury. These weak bones are more likely to fracture.
In addition, certain drugs used to treat complications from premature birth can reduce the mineral content of bones, making them more brittle and more prone to fractures and fractures.
Fractures in premature babies usually heal well if the baby is treated very gently and supplemented with calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorous, which help strengthen bones.
However, in rare cases, additional complications may occur depending on the type of fracture.
2020 study Reports of fractures in premature babies were found to be “inconsistent”, ranging from 2% to 10%.
Clavicle fractures are the most common, according to British experts investigation This fracture is usually seen in preterm infants born vaginally.
Dr. Henrico Hospital said in a statement on its website that “out of an abundance of caution,” it will not admit additional newborns to its NICU at this time (stock image)
Local news channel WRIC reported The news shocked the local community.
“Things like that are really intense…it’s kind of scary,” said Jaron Jacobs, whose daughter was born at Henrico Doctors Hospital on Christmas Day.
‘[Babies] They are harmless and innocent.
“No matter what is going on, no baby should be involved in any kind of accident or abuse, including injury.”
The hospital said it had launched an internal investigation, notified the parents and “appropriate authorities and regulatory authorities,” and cooperated with the investigation.
In addition, the facility has provided video footage to authorities, which is being reviewed by medical experts.
“This process is thorough and time-consuming, but it is progressing steadily,” the statement added. We have reviewed the video so far and have found no illegal or accidental activity. ”
Henrico Doctors Hospital It stressed that it had taken “immediate steps” to strengthen safety measures in the NICU.
This includes having an “observer” accompany every clinician to “assist in ensuring that all protocols are followed” when delivering neonatal care.
Other protocols include in-person safety training for NICU caregivers, conducting additional screenings of infants in the unit, educating providers on interacting with minors and identifying and reporting suspected neglect or abuse, and providing new This includes installing a security system and implementing 24/7 camera recording. NICU room and live streaming allows parents to keep an eye on their baby.
Maria Leppas, 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 the people being cared for here in the NICU has been, and will continue to be, our top priority.”
“VDH’s Office of Licensing and Certification is working with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to take immediate action to identify potential concerns and monitor specific corrective actions.
“We are working closely with other state and local partners, including the Henrico Police Department and the Virginia State Police.”
A Henrico Police Department spokesperson told the website that detectives are working on the case and “no charges have been filed at this time.”
Due to the medically sensitive nature of the investigation, additional details will be limited until the case is completed, they said.
Other agencies involved in the investigation include Child Protective Services within the Henrico Department of Social Services and the Attorney General’s Office.
