Nationwide IV fluid shortage did not impact Delaware hospitals

Delaware hospitals say they’ve managed through a nationwide IV fluid shortage

Delaware hospitals have weathered the storm created by a really big storm in North Carolina.

Hurricane Helene triggered a nationwide crisis in IV fluid supplies after causing severe flooding damage to Baxter International’s North Cove facility in Marion, NC, in late September 2024.

According to the American Medical Association, this facility typically produces approximately 60% of the IV fluid used by U.S. hospitals, manufacturing about 1.5 million bags daily before the hurricane.

Some hospitals have been forced to postpone or cancel elective surgeries, particularly bladder operations, heart surgeries, and orthopedic procedures; reduce IV fluid consumption; and suggest alternatives like Gatorade and Pedialyte for some emergency room patients.

But that is apparently not the case in Delaware.

“As of right now, this is not impacting service or care delivery at any of our hospitals in Delaware,” said Megan Williams, vice president of clinical affairs and operations for the Delaware Healthcare Association.

“Some of our hospitals had their supply impacted; others don’t contract with Baxter and weren’t affected,” she added.

“Nemours Children’s Health uses Baxter to supply intravenous fluids, but we have also worked with other manufacturers to obtain specialty IVs,” said spokeswoman Shelley Meadowcroft. “We have implemented conservation measures, continuously monitored the IV situation, and have not had any interruptions in the care of our patients.”

Saint Francis Hospital had a similar response.

“Saint Francis Hospital has multiple vendors, and supplies have not been affected in our hospital,” said spokesman Jeff Winslow, MSM.

Ryan Marshall from Beebe Healthcare also confirmed that its experience with the Baxter situation aligns with what Nemours and Saint Francis have experienced.

Christiana Care did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Baxter is close to being back to full production over the next few weeks.

DHA’s Williams said the Delaware Healthcare Preparedness Coalition includes state officials and hospital lead emergency managers. It has been closely monitored the Baxter situation during its monthly meetings and in separate conversations.

“When there’s a disaster that could impact services such as COVID, we get together more frequently,” she said. “During our monthly meetings, we do drills such as active shooter responses. When it came to IV fluid shortage, we assessed the amount of fluid we had, looked at other suppliers, and took precautionary measures such as lower use. But it did not stop any services.”