Following national guidance, hospitals in Washington state are conserving IV solution due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene on a major manufacturer. The Baxter facility in North Carolina supplies approximately 60% — or 1.5 million bags — of the IV solutions used every day in the U.S. At this point, the length of time and full impact of this supply chain disruption is not known.
Hospitals are collaborating through the Northwest Healthcare Response Network to address critical needs. At this time, each hospital or system is managing its own supply. All hospitals have moved to conservation strategies. Some hospitals are working to determine which procedures may need to be delayed.
“Washington’s hospitals have worked together to face past challenges, and this issue is no different. We will work together to ensure life-saving care remains available,” Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) President and CEO Cassie Sauer said. “Unfortunately, the current supply chain disruption means that some procedures that are not as time sensitive may be delayed. Although delays are disruptive, hospitals are continuing to provide critical services. However, the longer procedures are delayed, the sicker patients can get. It is not an acceptable long-term solution.”
WSHA and the Northwest Healthcare Response Network are in contact with state and federal agencies to keep them apprised of Washington hospitals’ status and to urge their quick and focused help to secure additional supplies.
“We are asking the federal government to act quickly to ensure adequate supply so that the effects on patient care do not get worse,” Sauer said. Specifically, WSHA and the American Hospital Association are asking the federal government to incentivize other manufacturers to ramp up production, allow importation from European Union countries and Canada, and allow hospitals to make their own solutions.
Follow the links below for more information and updates.
- Updates on IV fluid supplies from the American Hospital Association
- Suggestions for management and conservation from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists:
- Immediate IV fluid conservation strategies from Baxter
