Seven newborns treated in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Virginia have been found with unexplained fractures, prompting a joint investigation by state and local authorities. The troubling discovery spans two years, with three cases reported in 2023 and four more identified in November and December 2024. Hospital officials announced they are halting new NICU admissions as they search for answers.
Among the 2023 cases was Noah Hackey, one of a pair of twins born prematurely at 28 weeks. Noah’s parents were informed of his tibia fracture by hospital staff, who initially suggested it might have been accidental. However, a subsequent investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS) determined the injury was intentional and classified it as “level 1” child abuse, the most severe designation under Virginia law.
The Hackeys, who were devastated by the findings, said they were not made aware until late 2024 that other NICU babies had suffered similar injuries. “It’s not supposed to happen again,” said Dominique Hackey, Noah’s father. “It’s not supposed to happen in the first place.” Hospital representatives maintain that a review of surveillance footage has not revealed any misconduct or accidents, leaving families and authorities with unanswered questions.
In response to the latest incidents, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital has implemented stricter oversight measures, including requiring an additional clinician to accompany providers during all interactions with NICU patients. The hospital stated it is working closely with families and remains committed to determining the root cause of the injuries.
The ongoing investigation, involving Henrico Police, Virginia State Police, and the Attorney General’s Office, is examining whether these injuries resulted from procedural lapses, negligence, or criminal conduct. While no arrests have been made, the case has brought national attention to the vulnerabilities of neonatal care and the urgent need for accountability in hospital practices.
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