A Virginia hospital suspended all admissions to its neonatal intensive care unit after several 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 an internal investigation has now been launched in collaboration with the “appropriate authorities and regulatory agencies.”
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which cares for seriously ill newborns, has 40 treatment areas and the hospital cares for around 4,500 babies each year.
While hospital officials acknowledge that “fractures occasionally occur,” these fractures appeared to be cause for concern.
It has not been revealed where on the body the fractures occurred or whether the injuries caused complications or lasting damage. Details about neither baby are also available.
Investigators are reviewing video footage from inside the NICU to determine if there has been staff misconduct or unreported accidents, but so far no evidence of this has been found.
Additionally, Henrico police told DailyMail.com that no charges have been filed against anyone in connection with these injuries.
A Virginia hospital has suspended all admissions to its neonatal intensive care unit after several babies suffered “unexplained” fractures
A statement on the hospital’s website said: “Out of an abundance of caution, we will not be admitting any additional babies to our NICU at this time.”
“Although fractures occasionally occur in premature babies because they lack complete fetal bone development, we are actively working to determine how these fractures occurred.”
Premature births, defined as births before 37 weeks of gestation, have increased 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 likely to fracture.
Additionally, the use of certain medications to combat the complications of premature birth can contribute to low mineral content in bones, making them more brittle and therefore more prone to fractures and breaks.
Fractures in premature babies usually heal well when they are handled extremely gently and given calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus supplements, which help strengthen bones.
However, in rare cases and depending on the type of fracture, further complications may occur.
A 2020 study found that reports of fractures in premature babies are “inconsistent,” ranging between two and 10 percent.
Clavicle fracture most common, UK study finds survey analyzing medical records from 2000 to 2016. This fracture is usually found in premature babies born vaginally.
In a statement posted on its website, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital said it will not admit any additional babies to its NICU at this time “out of an abundance of caution” (file image)
WRIC Local News Channel reported The news has shocked the local community.
Jaron Jacobs, whose daughter was born at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital on Christmas Day, said, “Something like that is really intense… It’s a little scary.”
‘(Babies) are harmless, they are innocent.
“Regardless of what is happening (injuries), babies are the last ones who should be involved in any type of mishap or abuse.”
The hospital said it launched an internal investigation and notified parents and “the appropriate authorities and regulatory agencies and worked collaboratively with them in their investigations.”
Additionally, the facility has provided video footage to authorities and is being reviewed by health professionals.
The statement added: “The process is painstaking and time-consuming, but they are making steady progress.” So far, during our review of the videos, no misconduct or accidental actions have been found.’
The Henrico Doctors Hospital also He stressed that he has taken “immediate measures” to improve safety measures in his NICU.
This includes all doctors being accompanied by an “observer” to “help ensure all protocols are followed” when providing newborn care.
Other protocols include in-person safety training for NICU care providers, performing additional examinations of infants in the unit, educating providers on how to interact with minors and identifying and reporting suspected neglect or abuse, installing new safety systems. security, implement recording cameras 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. NICU rooms and live streaming to allow parents to care for their babies.
Maria Reppas, director of communications for the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), told DailyMail.com that the institution is working with the hospital on the investigation.
She said: ‘The health and safety of those receiving care in this NICU has been and will continue to be our top priority.
‘VDH’s Office of Licensing and Certification, in partnership with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), has taken immediate steps to identify potential concerns and is monitoring specific corrective actions.
“We are working closely with other state and local partners, including the Henrico Police Department and Virginia State Police.”
A spokesperson for the Henrico Police Department told this website that detectives are working the case and “at this time, no charges have been filed.”
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 within the Henrico Department of Social Services and the Attorney General’s Office.