By Danielle Pierce and Sara McCloskey

Our health care system, like many others across the United States, is currently managing the effects of a national shortage of medical fluids.

The shortage is the result of Hurricane Helene’s impact in North Carolina, where Baxter International, Inc., a primary manufacturer of IV fluids and other medical fluids, is located.

As the federal government works to find other suppliers for this critical care product, VCU Health is implementing conservation strategies to ensure we maintain sufficient supplies to care for our most critically ill patients.

Here is the latest information we know about the medical fluid shortage and impacts on VCU Health:

Why is there a medical fluid shortage?

Baxter International, Inc. announced its manufacturing facility is closed, and production is halted due to damage from the hurricane.

The company’s North Carolina plant accounts for 60% of all Baxter fluid manufacturing. Baxter and all other IV fluid manufacturers are now on allocation, meaning they are shipping only a portion of order volume to their committed customers and are not taking on new customers, causing a shortage of supplies.

How long will this shortage last?

We don’t know exactly how long the shortage will last. Baxter is estimating that it may take until the end of the calendar year before their plant is fully operational. Many different agencies are working on solutions. The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced additional actions to increase the supply of fluids.

The federal government approved the shipment of IV products from Canada, China, Ireland and the U.K. When will U.S. hospitals receive them?

As of Oct. 17, the first product shipments that the FDA authorized for temporary importation are arriving in the U.S. this weekend. With the coordination and assistance from the U.S. Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Baxter projects approximately 18,000 tons of products from Europe and Asia by the end of the year.

There is a range of time over the coming weeks when providers may begin receiving these products.

What is VCU Health doing in the meantime?

VCU Health is committed to maintaining the highest level of patient care and safety. We are implementing conservation strategies to ensure we maintain sufficient supplies to care for our most critically ill patients.

Examples of strategies include using smaller IV bags when appropriate, encouraging oral hydration if clinically indicated, and changing medications to oral formulations when possible.

Are there any procedures changing?

At this time, we are not canceling or postponing any procedures or treatments. However, we are closely monitoring the situation and continue to explore all conservation options.

Do these changes apply to all of VCU Health’s facilities?

Yes, we are currently conserving medical fluids at all VCU Health facilities, including VCU Medical Center, VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital, VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital and all of our clinics.

Should I still go to the hospital if I’m dealing with a health problem?

Yes. If you need medical attention, contact your primary care provider or call 911 if you are in an emergency.

Should I still go to my medical appointments if they are already scheduled?

Yes. You should still plan to go to any prescheduled appointment at a VCU Health facility. You will be notified of any changes to your appointment by a VCU Health representative or on MyChart.

Is there anything that I can do to help?

Staying hydrated is an important strategy for maintaining good health, particularly when exposed to above normal temperatures and when physically active. Avoiding dehydration can reduce trips to the emergency room and the need for intravenous fluids.

In addition, if you or a family member are hospitalized, being attentive to the instructions from doctors and nurses regarding when and how much fluid to take by mouth can speed recovery and reduce the need for intravenous fluids.

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