A former hospital worker, Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, was arrested in connection with an incident at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in late 2024 that left three babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with unexplainable fractures. Strotman, a resident of Chesterfield County, is facing charges of malicious wounding and felony child abuse. The hospital discovered the fractures in late November or December and immediately initiated an internal investigation, while also informing the families and authorities. Strotman is confirmed to be a former employee of the hospital, though her specific role has not been disclosed.
Following the incident, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital has tightened security measures in their NICU, which includes installing live-streaming technology and mandating safety training programs for all caregivers. The hospital is not currently accepting new babies into the unit as a precaution. HCA Virginia, the hospital’s parent company, expressed shock and sadness over Strotman’s arrest and stated that their focus remains on providing care to patients and supporting employees. The NICU at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital has been serving central Virginia for over 30 years, providing essential care to newborns in the community.
In addition to the 2024 incident, police are also re-examining a similar case from 2023 that involved four babies with unexplainable fractures. Henrico Chief Eric D. English assured the public that authorities are working diligently to investigate all evidence related to these cases and are asking for patience as they continue the process. The families involved as well as the general public are being kept informed of any updates in the investigation. The hospital is cooperating with regulatory agencies and working collaboratively with authorities as the case progresses.
The arrest of Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman has raised concerns about the safety of newborns in hospital care and has led to increased scrutiny of procedures within the NICU at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital. The incident has prompted a renewed focus on ensuring the security of vulnerable patients and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Strotman’s case has sent shockwaves through the community and has raised questions about the hiring and monitoring processes of hospital staff.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to these cases to come forward, as they continue to gather evidence and conduct interviews. The families of the affected babies are receiving support and assistance throughout the investigation process. The broader implications of this incident on hospital procedures and the safety of newborns are being closely examined to prevent such incidents from reoccurring. The collaboration between the hospital, authorities, and regulatory agencies highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in healthcare settings.
