NORFOLK, Va. — The devastation caused by Helene forced the Baxter plant, a major medical fluid manufacturer in North Carolina, to halt production, putting essentials like IV bags and dialysis products in short supply.
In light of the Baxter plant closing, a spokesperson with Sentara Health shared what they are doing to make sure resources continue to be available.
The statement reads: "Sentara is fortunate to have 30-to-60 day supply of dialysis products on hand. We source IV solutions through a different manufacturer. We are assessing out options for using alternative products and implementing a conservation program to extend existing IV supplies. Sentara Supply Chain is purchasing additional IV products as they are available. In the meantime, we continue serving patients' IV needs in our hospital and home care divisions."
Sentara Health isn't the only hospital adjusting its use of IV fluids. The University of Virginia Medical Center has cut its IV fluid usage to only 40%.
Some hospitals like UVA Health had to pause elective surgeries for the time being to make sure it has enough supplies for emergencies. UVA Health says those who had an elective surgery canceled will receive care, but that depends on when their supply will return to normal.
While hospitals look at alternative sources and conserve the supply they have, the federal government and the American Hospital Association are trying to increase production at other plants across the country.