Surgery Schedules Face Extended Delays as Key IV and Sterile Fluids Factory Remains Shut
Hospitals across the country are grappling with a major shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids and sterile solutions, which could disrupt surgery schedules for several more weeks. This disruption stems from Hurricane Helene’s damage to a critical Baxter International factory in North Carolina, leaving healthcare systems scrambling to conserve supplies for emergencies.
Impact on Non-Emergency Surgeries
Many patients who schedule non-emergency surgeries in the fall and early winter may face delays as hospitals prioritize limited supplies for urgent medical needs. These months are popular for elective procedures, as patients often reach their insurance deductibles, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. However, healthcare systems are now forced to delay some procedures to manage resources.
“It’s not great for patients, but it’s kind of doing the most good with what you have,” said Erin Fox, associate chief pharmacy officer at University of Utah Health, illustrating the difficult choices hospitals must make.
Hurricane Helene’s Toll on Production
The supply shortage began when Hurricane Helene flooded parts of North Carolina, forcing Baxter International to temporarily close its North Cove facility. This factory produces roughly 60% of the IV solutions used daily in U.S. hospitals, along with fluids for dialysis patients and sterile water for surgeries.
While the factory itself avoided structural damage, nearby flooding destroyed infrastructure, washing out bridges and disrupting power and water supplies. The plant remains closed while Baxter undertakes significant clean-up and repair efforts.
How Are Hospitals Coping?
In response to the shortage, hospitals began conserving fluids almost immediately after the plant’s closure. For patients able to drink, doctors have switched from IV fluids to alternatives like Gatorade or water. Additionally, some facilities have started postponing non-urgent surgeries, including orthopedic and heart procedures, to focus on emergencies.
Baxter has rationed its distribution of fluids, and hospitals have had to adjust based on their level of dependence on the company. “The impact on patients varies depending on how heavily a hospital or health system relies on Baxter,” said Nancy Foster, a vice president at the American Hospital Association.
Efforts to Boost Supplies
To ease the shortage, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the temporary import of fluids from Baxter’s overseas plants. Baxter has also started easing some of the restrictions it placed on its fluid supplies, while rival manufacturer B. Braun Medical has ramped up production at its facilities in Florida and California.
Additionally, the FDA has issued temporary guidelines allowing compounding pharmacies to produce certain IV drugs that are in short supply, providing some relief for hospitals.
Outlook on Resolving the Shortage
While supply experts are optimistic, the fluid shortage continues to cause significant disruptions. Health systems are still dealing with uncertainty, as deliveries from Baxter remain inconsistent. “We’re not going to be at pre-hurricane supply levels for a while,” Foster explained, highlighting the challenge hospitals face in maintaining adequate stock to meet both emergency and elective surgery needs.
Compounding the issue, hospitals are entering a busy season with the onset of flu season, and patients are rushing to schedule procedures before the year ends to avoid renewed insurance deductibles.
Timeline for Baxter’s Factory Reopening
Baxter’s North Cove plant is making progress toward reopening, with power and water restored, and employees completing deep cleaning and equipment testing. The company expects to restart production in phases by the end of the year, though it remains unclear when production will return to pre-hurricane levels.
As hospitals brace for further delays, patients are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers on how the ongoing shortage may affect their surgery schedules. The shortage may persist well into next year, underscoring the significant ripple effects Hurricane Helene has caused across the healthcare system.