INDIANAPOLIS — Hospitals across Indiana are having to keep a close eye on their supply of IV fluids due to the national shortage.
While hospitals are experiencing varying degrees of impact related to the shortage, Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) said recent delays in shipments from third-party vendors have forced some hospitals to "reassess their stock levels" and "prioritize their current supply for patients in critical need."
“Despite Baxter’s return to 60% production, and the incoming shipments from international suppliers, it could take weeks until some hospitals begin receiving their allocation of IV fluids,” said Blake Dye, interim president of IHA.
Indiana hospitals have started putting their conservation plans in place. The plans include reviewing and optimizing fluid use for each patient, exploring alternative therapies and prioritizing the available supply for critical care, officials said.
Some hospitals are having to reschedule elective and non-elective procedures in order to preserve supplies, officials said. When this happens, patients are contacted by their provider. IHA noted that emergency care and urgent surgeries won't be affected by this.
“We’re certainly not alone in this predicament as this is a nationwide shortage impacting every state,” Dye said. “Hoosiers should feel confident that Indiana’s hospitals are managing through the current situation, taking proactive measures that are aligned with clinical best practices, and are working diligently to minimize the impact on patient care.”
“We appreciate the way that Indiana hospitals are minimizing the impact this national shortage is having on patient care,” said State Health Commissioner Lindsay M. Weaver, M.D., FACEP. “The Indiana Department of Health is in contact with Indiana hospitals and remains dedicated to working with our state and federal partners until the situation is resolved.”