Bassett Healthcare Network is bracing for intravenous fluid supply shortages due to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a media release Thursday, Oct. 10 about the state’s potential IV fluid supply chain disruptions.
Gabrielle Argo, Bassett Healthcare Network spokesperson, said Friday, Oct. 11 that Bassett is “implementing solutions to conserve resources of supplies.”
“Bassett Healthcare Network, like hospitals and health care systems nationally, is currently navigating some supply chain issues that are a direct result of Hurricane Helene,” Argo said in a statement. “Our teams of highly skilled clinical and operational experts are working to source supplies and ensure we can continue providing high-quality care to our patients and communities without interruption. Our top priority is the care and safety of our patients.”
Hochul’s media release stated that while there is no official shortage of IV fluid in New York at this time, the state is coordinating with federal and local health officials to assess the impact of any current or future disruption.
The IV fluid supply chain disruption caused by Hurricane Helene forced the closure of the Baxter plant in Marion, North Carolina, which provides up to 60% of the IV fluids used in the United States, according to the release.
The state Department of Health issued guidance Wednesday, Oct. 9 to health care providers in response to limitations on shipments of IV fluid. Guidance was distributed to hospitals and medical facilities throughout the state, according to the release.
“The state health department is working hard to ensure facilities are able to provide vital, lifesaving care amid this potential nationwide shortage of IV fluids,” DOH Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in the release. “By issuing this guidance, we are ensuring the current supplies of IV fluids are available for the most critical patients until the supply chain is stabilized.”
While there is no official shortage, medical facilities are being asked to adopt strategies to conserve IV fluid to ensure available stock is used effectively and efficiently, according to the release.
DOH is gathering information from providers to assess supply status and identify critical needs, the release stated. It also has implemented its incident command system, which allows expedited response and coordination activities to take place.