(Spirit Lake)– Lakes Regional Healthcare is taking some proactive measures due to a shortage of intravaneous (IV) and peritoneal fluids following the temporary closure of Baxter International’s largest manufacturing plant. The facility, which supplies 60 percent of the nation’s IV solutions, was damaged by Hurricane Helene. As a result, most U.S. hospitals, including LRH, have been informed they will receive only 40 percent of the previous fluid supply.
According to a press release, as a result, LRH is prioritizing the available supply for the most critical patients. It goes on to say numerous measures to conserve IV fluids have been implemented throughout the hospital such as converting to saline/heparin lock systems. LRH officials say patients may notice some changes in coming weeks, but they add the quality of care won’t be compromised.
