Hospitals Adjust Schedules Due to IV Fluid Shortage

Hospitals across the U.S. are facing a crunch in IV fluid supplies due to hurricanes. Hurricane Helene damaged a major facility owned by Baxter International, reducing shipments to hospitals. Meanwhile, B. Braun Medical temporarily closed two of its facilities in Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. This has led hospitals to postpone elective surgeries and other non-emergency procedures to conserve supplies. The Minnesota Hospital Association has been holding daily calls with healthcare providers to discuss the situation. IV fluids are crucial during surgery for keeping patients hydrated and regulating blood pressure. Most hospitals rely on Baxter's products, making it hard for them to switch suppliers suddenly. Hospitals are now rescheduling non-urgent operations and exploring alternative sources, including a "gray market" where IV fluids are being sold on platforms like Facebook, although hospitals aren't buying from these sources.

The American Hospital Association has urged President Biden to declare a nationwide emergency due to the supply issues. The FDA hasn't declared new shortages yet, but the Department of Health and Human Services anticipates further constraints. Baxter is working to restore its North Carolina facility to full capacity by the end of the year. Hospitals are taking steps to preserve their IV fluid stock, such as closely monitoring inventory and seeking alternative suppliers. Some hospitals have resumed elective surgeries within certain limits. The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium is implementing conservation strategies to ensure continuous availability statewide.

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