By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
Currently, there’s a shortage of IV fluids across the nation after Hurricane Helene severely damaged one of the largest production facilities in the country. The Baxter International Manufacturing facility in North Carolina supplies 60% of the nation’s IV fluids and shut down last week after flooding and storm damage to the facility, resulting in a significant supply shortage.
In Minnesota, Kare 11 News reports several hospital systems, including Allina Health, M Health Fairview, and Hennepin Healthcare, are delaying elective surgeries because of the shortage. Locally, in a statement sent to KYMN Radio on Monday, Northfield Hospital and Clinics is also dealing with the shortage and has begun measures to conserve IV Fluids and may delay or cancel some elective surgeries; NH&C will reach out to any patients affected. The hospital emphasized that it “does not affect the safety of care at NH+C.
The Minnesota Hospital Association, of which Northfield Hospital is a member, is working to help hospitals through the crisis. MHA President and CEO Dr. Rahul Koranne said about the situation: “Our main message to our patients is, please be patient with your care teams at your hospitals and also do stay in touch with your providers so that they can oversee your care plan with you and make the right decisions based upon your care condition.”
In the meantime, NH+C encourages you to take care of yourself by following this rule of thumb: Prevent illnesses and injuries as much as possible and get care when you need it.
