Health care systems in the Upstate and Western North Carolina are making changes, due to the nationwide IV fluid shortage. WYFF News 4 asked health care systems in our area about the impacts of the shortage. Dr. Greg McCarty, the chief medical officer at UNC Health Pardee, said: “The damage to the Baxter manufacturing plant caused by Helene has resulted in a severe shortage of IV and irrigation fluid products nationwide. To conserve these products, UNC Health Pardee and the UNC system are postponing and rescheduling some non-emergent surgeries, while also putting into place approved alternatives for use in our emergency department and other patient care areas. Fortunately, patient care at Pardee has not been compromised or limited. We are still able to provide care for heart attacks, strokes, sepsis, and other conditions and remain open and here for our community 24 hours/day. “Decisions to conserve IV products were made …