Madison hospitals respond to national saline shortage

MADISON, Wis. --  One of the country's biggest IV supply manufacturers closed after Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina.

Baxter's IV have closed production after Hurricane Helene hit its facility in North Carolina.

This is impacting hospitals in Madison and across the country.

"The impact of Helene really took place in North Carolina where our largest supplier of IV solutions sustained catastrophic damage to their largest plant," said the senior supply chain director at SSM Helalth, Keith Despins.

UW-Health released a statement to News 3 Now saying UW- Health continues mitigation efforts to conserve fluids and to explore alternate suppliers and options at UW Health in Wisconsin. At this time, all upcoming surgeries and procedures are proceeding as scheduled."

Former News 3 Now anchor John Karcher saw this first hand.

"I had noticed that they had not set up an IV, as they usually do for procedures. And they said there was a nationwide shortage. And they're being very conservative in how they, administer the, saline solution," said Karcher.

On Baxter's website, the company states it is working with other government agencies.

Thankfully, none of the local area hospitals have seen a drastic decline. Right now, it is are closely monitoring saline to ensure it doesn't run out.

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