Kansas City-area hospitals conserving IV fluids following recent hurricanes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hurricanes are taking a toll on the medical industry, and the patients who depend on it.

Hospitals from coast-to-coast are experiencing a shortage in IV fluid, a tool that’s used in multiple capacities by healthcare providers.

Last week, Baxter’s factory in North Carolina was hit by Hurricane Helene. Baxter accounts for 60 percent of the nation’s intravenous fluid.

Drug shortages are common at U.S. hospitals, but doctors complain IV fluid is used for so many purposes, that this concern demands attention.

They’re taking it very seriously at the University of Kansas Health System. Dr. Tim Williamson, that hospital’s vice-president of quality and safety, said his supply of Baxter IV fluid is fine for the time being.

He said staffers will be judicious about how it’s used, intending to avoid inconvenience to patients.

“We have to be careful to make sure we’re using them in the right places in the right way to make sure we can sustain, and there isn’t impact to patients downstream,” Williamson said on Thursday.

Concerns are similar at University Health. Dr. Erin Baxter, the hospital’s director of pharmacy and acute care, said the shortage isn’t impacting patient care yet. She said hospital administrators are seeking ways to conserve, and to avoid using their current supply before this concern grows.

“I think the concern can grow. I think it can also improve. It could go the other direction too. This is absolutely a fluid situation, and we’re monitoring it closely,” Baxter said.

Representatives from Saint Luke’s Health System and HCA told FOX4 on Thursday they aren’t feeling effects of this shortage yet.

While some might suggest using a different vendor for IV solutions, Williamson points out the other manufacturers are also likely to experience this shortage soon. That’s simple supply and demand.

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