INDIANAPOLIS – A nationwide shortage of IV fluid is beginning to impact area hospitals.
This comes after Hurricane Helene hit one of the main manufacturers in North Carolina.
National shortage forcing Indiana hospitals to conserve IV fluids
At the moment, the majority of Central Indiana hospitals are actively monitoring and conserving their IV fluids in case shortages worsen.
According to the Indiana Hospital Association, Baxter International, which produces 60% of the IV fluid nationwide, had to close following storm damage.
Now, the plant is operating at 60% of its original capacity and working to make up for the lost time.
However, hospitals across the country, and here in the state are seeing the effects of a smaller supply.
“We are hearing from some Indiana hospitals that they have postponed some non-emergency surgeries and procedures,” said Karin Kennedy, vice president of quality and patient safety for IHA.
In Seymour, Schenk is one medical center that’s rescheduling.
Other medical groups such as Community Health and Ascension St. Vincent both said they have a stable supply and minimal impacts right now.