Mount Nittany Health is conserving IV fluids to ensure a stable supply for emergency patients amid a nationwide shortage.
Flooding from Hurricane Helene forced Baxter International, one of the nation’s largest suppliers of IV fluids, to shut down its factory in Marion, North Carolina in late September, and the company has limited how much health care systems and providers can buy to ensure equitable distribution, according to NPR. While Baxter’s production facilities are starting to come back online, and the U.S. authorized temporary importation of IV products from several other countries, the shortage is expected to persist through the end of the year.
If supplies become critically low, Mount Nittany will need to cancel elective surgeries and procedures to prioritize emergency care, according to a news release. In an effort to prevent that, the State College-based health system says it’s “working closely with its medical and clinical teams to conserve IV fluid usage while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.”
“We are committed to ensuring that our patients receive the care they need without disruption,” Tiffany Cabibbo, chief nursing officer, said. “By working together to conserve resources, we are hopeful that we can avoid any cancellations of scheduled procedures.”
If any cancellations do become necessary, physician offices will contact affected patients directly to reschedule. Mount Nittany will keep the public informed about any changes to patient care resulting from the shortage, according to the release.
“We appreciate the understanding and support of our community during this time,” Cabibbo said. “Our healthcare providers are working diligently to ensure that every patient receives the care they need, even in the face of supply challenges.”
