DES MOINES, Iowa — Hospitals across the nation are facing a shortage of IV fluids amid supply chain issues. Now, at least one hospital system in central Iowa is working to preserve its supply.
The shortage is a direct result of the destruction left behind by Hurricane Helene. Baxter, which manufactures a vast amount of the nation's IV products, temporarily closed a plant in North Cove, North Carolina due to damage sustained during the storm.
While cleanup efforts are underway at the Baxter plant, it is currently unknown when production will resume. As such, a spokesperson for UnityPoint Health said the hospital system is taking "proactive measures."
"Our clinical and supply chain leaders are actively working together to implement evidence-based conservation measures while ensuring the delivery of safe patient care," UnityPoint said in a statement.
The Iowa Hospital Association also continues to monitor the shortage and plans to communicate with hospitals across the state to get an idea of suppliers, inventory levels and more.
At the national level, the American Hospital Association sent a letter to President Joe Biden reporting member hospitals are experiencing "substantial shortages of these lifesaving and life-supporting products." The AHA urged the Biden Administration to, among other things, declare a national emergency amid the shortage.
In addition, the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP) published suggestions for conservation during fluid shortages.