Chicago hospitals facing reduced IV fluid supply in wake of Hurricane Helene

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago-area hospitals are dealing with a reduced supply of IV fluids because of hurricane damage to an IV-manufacturing plant.

Baxter International’s North Carolina IV plant was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene and that has had a ripple effect nationwide.

Northwestern Medicine spokesman Chris King issued a statement that Northwestern has implemented conservation efforts and, where needed, is using alternative treatments.

Spokesman Dan Regan said Sinai Chicago is also watching its reduced supply but has not canceled any elective procedures.

“We’ve implemented twice daily huddles to talk about supplies, to talk about the number of patients we have on IV and also to get updates on the situation with suppliers like Baxter and others.”

Regan said other action is also being taken.

“We’ve made some focus… on moving patients where it’s appropriate from IV to oral medication and oral hydration.”

Chicago-based Baxter told WBBM Newsradio its current allocation levels are at 60% and that it hopes to restore IV shipments to between 90-100% by the end of the year.

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