IV Fluid Shortage Hits U.S. Hospitals

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } IV Fluid Shortage Hits U.S. HospitalsHealth Care > HealthA severe shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids is impacting hospitals across the U.S. due to flooding at Baxter International's North Cove plant in North Carolina. B. Braun Medical's Daytona Beach facility is also threatened by Hurricane Milton, prompting urgent measures to secure supplies. Hospitals are postponing elective surgeries and rationing IV fluids.

What's happened

A severe shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids is impacting hospitals across the U.S. due to flooding at Baxter International's North Cove plant in North Carolina. B. Braun Medical's Daytona Beach facility is also threatened by Hurricane Milton, prompting urgent measures to secure supplies. Hospitals are postponing elective surgeries and rationing IV fluids.

Why it matters

What the papers say

According to the New York Times, 'Baxter ordinarily produces about 60 percent of the U.S. supply of IV products,' but the flooding has forced the company to limit deliveries to hospitals. Meanwhile, Ars Technica reports that '88 percent of providers said they were receiving less than half of their requested orders.' The Independent highlights that B. Braun Medical's Daytona Beach facility is crucial for alleviating the shortage, stating, 'The company is seen as an important source of sterile intravenous fluids.' This situation underscores the critical need for a diversified supply chain to prevent future shortages.

How we got here

The shortage stems from Hurricane Helene, which flooded Baxter's North Carolina plant, responsible for 60% of the U.S. IV fluid supply. As hospitals face dwindling stocks, they are forced to conserve resources and delay non-emergency procedures, raising concerns about patient care.

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