Yvonne Hemz, a cancer patient, had her surgery canceled due to a shortage of IV fluids caused by Hurricane Helene damaging a Baxter International facility. Hospitals across the U.S. are conserving IV fluids, leading to postponed surgeries. Patients are being provided with alternatives like Gatorade or water where possible. The impact of the shortage is significant, affecting patients undergoing surgeries, treatments such as dialysis, and those reliant on IV nutrition like Hannah Hale with Crohn’s disease. Baxter is working with the federal government to resolve the issue by importing IV fluids from other countries. Other manufacturers like B. Braun Medical are also increasing supply. The situation has led to concerns about patient care, with healthcare facilities having to find alternative solutions to provide necessary treatments. Patients like Robert, who relies on dialysis, are experiencing the immediate impact of the shortage. The federal government and manufacturers are under pressure to resolve the issue quickly to ensure patients receive essential care. The situation highlights the critical role IV fluids play in healthcare and the challenges faced when the supply is disrupted.
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