A shocking failure in hospital oversight has allowed a NICU nurse to continue working despite video evidence of abusing infants, prompting calls for systemic reforms.
Story Overview
- Erin Strotman pleaded no contest to nine felony child abuse charges.
- Video evidence showed aggressive handling of premature infants.
- Systemic gaps in hospital oversight allowed abuse to continue for years.
- Sentencing will occur in June 2026, with possible civil litigation against the hospital.
NICU Abuse Case Unveiled
In late summer 2023, staff at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital’s NICU discovered multiple premature infants with unexplained fractures and injuries. Initially, a Child Protective Services investigation failed to identify the specific perpetrator, despite a founded abuse finding. However, in November 2024, new injuries and surveillance video evidence surfaced, leading to the arrest of Erin Strotman, a NICU nurse, in January 2025. This highlighted significant deficiencies in hospital oversight and safety protocols.
Strotman’s nursing license was suspended by the Virginia Board of Nursing in February 2025, identifying her as a substantial danger to public health. Despite this, she was allowed to remain on bail under existing conditions pending sentencing. Her no-contest plea to nine Class 6 felony child abuse charges in January 2026, means she accepts the legal consequences without admitting guilt. Sentencing is scheduled for June 5, 2026, where families are expected to deliver victim impact statements.
Systemic Failures in Hospital Oversight
The case underscores critical failures in Henrico Doctors’ Hospital’s oversight mechanisms. Operating under a team-based care model, there was no reliable method to track staff providing hands-on care to specific infants, which allowed the alleged abuse to occur undetected. The lack of individual room surveillance further compounded the issue, only rectified after video evidence in 2024 led to Strotman’s identification. The hospital has since implemented surveillance cameras and reinforced child abuse reporting education to prevent future incidents.
The hospital’s organizational structure and lack of accountability mechanisms created conditions ripe for abuse. The vulnerability of the NICU’s patient population, consisting of premature and critically ill newborns, made the alleged abuse particularly egregious. With ongoing scrutiny, the case may influence NICU staffing protocols, surveillance requirements, and accountability mechanisms across healthcare facilities.
Implications and Future Reforms
The impact of this case extends beyond immediate victims and families, potentially prompting broader regulatory changes. The Virginia Department of Health and Board of Nursing may implement stricter oversight for neonatal care facilities, ensuring robust investigation protocols and swift action when abuse is suspected. Henrico Doctors’ Hospital faces potential civil litigation from affected families, seeking justice and accountability for negligent supervision.
The healthcare community is now under increased scrutiny, with calls for enhanced surveillance technology in vulnerable care settings and immediate removal from patient care when abuse is alleged. As the June sentencing approaches, the case continues to unfold, capturing the attention of both legal and medical professionals nationwide.
Sources:
Former NICU Nurse Erin Strotman Pleads No Contest to Nine Felony Child Abuse Charges
