Nationwide IV fluid shortage changing how hospitals manage patient hydration

Hurricane Helene caused significant production disruptions at Baxter International, leading to an IV fluid shortage that's forcing hospitals to rethink hydration strategies and implement conservation measures.

Sam Elgawly from Inova emphasized that despite aggressive conservation efforts, patient care has not been compromised, noting a 55% reduction in IV fluid usage across the system.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra highlighted collaborative efforts to address transportation issues for IV fluids, showcasing the necessity of teamwork in crisis management.

Baxter International’s facility in Marion has resumed some production, but there's uncertainty around when it will return to pre-hurricane capacity, impacting hospital operations nationwide.

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