Several hospitals across the U.S. are facing a shortage of intravenous fluids after Hurricane Helen’s flooding forced medical fluid manufacturers to halt production.
Baxter International, a major supplier of intravenous fluids to hospitals, said its facility in Marion, North Carolina, remains closed until further notice.
“Baxter’s North Cove facility was affected by flooding and production is currently suspended as we assess the extent of the impact,” the company said in a statement on its website.
The company supplies about 60% of the country’s IV bags and is working with federal agencies to support recovery efforts and “mitigate supply disruptions to patients,” it added.
IV fluids are given intravenously to treat dehydration and are critical for surgeries where patients are asleep for long periods of time and cannot eat or drink.
“Remediation efforts are already underway and we are devoting human and financial resources to restart production and help ensure patients and healthcare providers have the products they need.” said Jose (Joe) E. Almeida, President and Chief Executive Officer. Baxter said in a statement.
Death toll from Hurricane Helen exceeds 200; cleanup continues 02:13
Mass General Brigham is one of the medical systems that does not have a regular supply of IV fluids. Dr. Paul Bidder, chief preparedness and continuity officer, said in a press conference Friday that the hospital network expects to receive about 40% of what it normally receives from Baxter.
Bidder said the supply constraints are “one of the biggest shortages” the hospital network has ever dealt with.
Other IV fluid manufacturers also say they are ramping up production to make up for the shortfall. B. Brown said its manufacturing sites were unaffected by Hurricane Helen and that it is “focusing on critical IV fluids and increasing production at its pharmaceutical manufacturing sites in Irvine, Calif., and Daytona Beach, Fla.” We are taking immediate action.”
The company also places its products in “protective allocation” and encourages providers who administer IVs to practice protections, such as using alternative hydration methods, a spokesperson told CBS MoneyWatch. Ta.
ICU Medical, another IV fluid maker, also said it was taking steps to “increase production to meet market needs while continuing to support existing customers.”
In 2017, Hurricane Maria disrupted production and caused IV fluid shortages in hospitals.
“We experienced similar challenges during Hurricane Maria in 2017, and we remain mindful of how we manage the supply of these medicines to minimize the impact on patients. “Hospital operations continue as usual and patient care is not affected.” Massachusetts General Bidder Brigham said in a statement.
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