Minnesota Hospitals Adapt After Hurricane Helene Disrupts IV Fluid Supply
After Hurricane Helene caused significant disruptions to IV fluid production at Baxter International’s facility in Marion, North Carolina, hospitals across Minnesota faced a crisis. The site, which is responsible for 60 percent of the IV fluids used in U.S. healthcare, was severely impacted by flooding, halting production for several weeks. As a result, many hospitals were forced to cancel non-emergency surgeries and seek alternative supplies.
In the aftermath, hospitals have implemented innovative strategies to address the shortages. Emergency room nurse Kevin Hawn from United Hospital reported the use of alternatives like Gatorade for rehydration. He noted that while conservation methods are still in place, the urgency has diminished as new distribution partners have emerged.
Baxter, which also produces vital dialysis solutions and total parenteral nutrition (TPN), resumed IV fluid production earlier this week. The company aims to restore full production capacity by year-end, but health systems remain wary of relying solely on one supplier, as evidenced by United Hospital’s struggle with TPN shortages.
Hennepin Healthcare has resumed non-emergent procedures while continuously assessing its supply situation. Conservation strategies, including prioritizing critical care patients and reducing fluid volumes, are being maintained. Meanwhile, M Health Fairview has also stabilized its IV supply, allowing it to resume all services after a brief suspension.
Allina Health continues to experience significant shortages and is actively searching for alternate suppliers, while Essentia Health reported no current shortages. Baxter’s commitment to optimizing its supply chain could ease the burden on healthcare systems affected by the unprecedented supply disruption.
As Minnesota hospitals adapt, the focus remains on maintaining patient care amidst ongoing challenges in IV fluid supply.
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