‘They’re harmless, they’re innocent’: New father stunned after babies found with ‘unexplainable fractures’ in Henrico hospital
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The word of an investigation underway inside Henrico Doctors' Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit has sent shockwaves through the community. "It's kind of scary," said new parent, Jaron Jacobs, of Richmond. "Something like that is really intense." Jacobs is the father of a new baby girl who was born on Christmas Day in Henrico Doctors' Hospital. He told 8News the matter is scary, especially given there are multiple reported incidents. The hospital took to its website this week to inform community members it would no longer be accepting babies into the NICU out of an abundance of caution. PREVIOUSLY: Henrico Doctors’ Hospital stops NICU admissions after babies found with ‘unexplainable fractures’ The move came after officials said they discovered three babies had "unexplainable fractures" from late November through December. "They're harmless, they're innocent," Jacobs said. "Regardless of anything that's going on -- injuries -- babies are the last ones that should be involved in any type of mishaps or mistreatment." Henrico Doctors' Hospital says it has taken steps to enhance safety measures, such as: Requiring all NICU caregivers to participate in supplemental unit-wide, in-person safety training programs. Adopting the practice of conducting additional head-to-toe examinations of each NICU baby, led by neonatologists. Instituting mandatory training for all healthcare providers who interact with minors, educating the providers on the identification and reporting of suspected neglect or abuse. Installing two new security systems to ensure proper care and parents’ peace of mind. A camera system that records all activity in its NICU rooms 24/7 and is available for viewing in real-time or at a later date. Live-streaming technology allowing parents to view their babies. In addition, the hospital has implemented an observer system where each provider in the NICU is accompanied by another clinician when they are present in an infant's room to help ensure all protocols are followed. Footage has been provided to proper authorities and healthcare professionals, according to the hospital. "The process is thorough and time-consuming, but they are making steady progress," officials addressed in an alert on their website. "So far during our review of the videos, no misconduct or accidental actions have been found." 8News reached out to both the Virginia Department of Health and Henrico Police on the matter and both have given responses via statements which can be found below: The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is investigating a serious situation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at HCA Henrico Doctors’ Hospital. The health and safety of those receiving care in this NICU has and will continue to be our top priority. VDH’s Office of Licensure and Certification, in partnership with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), has taken immediate action to identify potential concerns and are monitoring specific corrective actions. We are working closely with other state and local partners, including the Henrico Police Department and Virginia State Police. Maria Reppas, Communications Director, Virginia Department of Health Henrico Police have been made aware of an internal investigation involving Henrico Doctors’ Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Detectives within Henrico Police’s Special Victims Unit have been assigned to follow up and investigate to determine if there are any criminal violations that have occurred. At this time, no charges have been filed. Henrico County is prepared to utilize all available resources to ensure a thorough investigation. Henrico Police are partnering with Child Protective Services within Henrico’s Department of Social Services, Virginia State Police, the Virginia Health Department, and the Attorney General’s Office to ensure all evidence is examined meticulously. We are committed to protecting our residents, particularly our youngest and most vulnerable. Due to the sensitive medical nature of this investigation, additional details will be limited until the investigation is concluded. Will McCue, Office of Public Affairs, Henrico Police Division This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.
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HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The word of an investigation underway inside Henrico Doctors' Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit has sent shockwaves through the community.
"It's kind of scary," said new parent, Jaron Jacobs, of Richmond. "Something like that is really intense."
Jacobs is the father of a new baby girl who was born on Christmas Day in Henrico Doctors' Hospital. He told 8News the matter is scary, especially given there are multiple reported incidents.
The hospital took to its website this week to inform community members it would no longer be accepting babies into the NICU out of an abundance of caution.
The move came after officials said they discovered three babies had "unexplainable fractures" from late November through December.
"They're harmless, they're innocent," Jacobs said. "Regardless of anything that's going on -- injuries -- babies are the last ones that should be involved in any type of mishaps or mistreatment."
Henrico Doctors' Hospital says it has taken steps to enhance safety measures, such as:
- Requiring all NICU caregivers to participate in supplemental unit-wide, in-person safety training programs.
- Adopting the practice of conducting additional head-to-toe examinations of each NICU baby, led by neonatologists.
- Instituting mandatory training for all healthcare providers who interact with minors, educating the providers on the identification and reporting of suspected neglect or abuse.
- Installing two new security systems to ensure proper care and parents’ peace of mind.
- A camera system that records all activity in its NICU rooms 24/7 and is available for viewing in real-time or at a later date.
- Live-streaming technology allowing parents to view their babies.
In addition, the hospital has implemented an observer system where each provider in the NICU is accompanied by another clinician when they are present in an infant's room to help ensure all protocols are followed.
Footage has been provided to proper authorities and healthcare professionals, according to the hospital.
"The process is thorough and time-consuming, but they are making steady progress," officials addressed in an alert on their website. "So far during our review of the videos, no misconduct or accidental actions have been found."
8News reached out to both the Virginia Department of Health and Henrico Police on the matter and both have given responses via statements which can be found below:
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is investigating a serious situation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at HCA Henrico Doctors’ Hospital. The health and safety of those receiving care in this NICU has and will continue to be our top priority. VDH’s Office of Licensure and Certification, in partnership with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), has taken immediate action to identify potential concerns and are monitoring specific corrective actions. We are working closely with other state and local partners, including the Henrico Police Department and Virginia State Police. Maria Reppas, Communications Director, Virginia Department of Health
Henrico Police have been made aware of an internal investigation involving Henrico Doctors’ Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Detectives within Henrico Police’s Special Victims Unit have been assigned to follow up and investigate to determine if there are any criminal violations that have occurred. At this time, no charges have been filed.
Henrico County is prepared to utilize all available resources to ensure a thorough investigation. Henrico Police are partnering with Child Protective Services within Henrico’s Department of Social Services, Virginia State Police, the Virginia Health Department, and the Attorney General’s Office to ensure all evidence is examined meticulously. We are committed to protecting our residents, particularly our youngest and most vulnerable.
Due to the sensitive medical nature of this investigation, additional details will be limited until the investigation is concluded. Will McCue, Office of Public Affairs, Henrico Police Division
This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.
