WA hospitals conserving IV fluid in Hurricane Helene aftermath [Video]

SEATTLE — Hospitals in Washington state are having to conserve IV fluid solution amid a supply chain disruption caused by Hurricane Helene.

Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) said it is following national guidance in conserving IV fluids after Hurricane Helene impacted a major manufacturer on the east coast. The Baxter facility in North Carolina supplies approximately 60%, or 1.5 million bags, of the IV solution used in hospitals every day across the country.

WSHA said at this time each hospital and health system is managing its own supplies and have moved to conservation strategies, which include delaying non-urgent procedures.

“Washington’s hospitals have worked together to face past challenges, and this issue is no different. We will work together to ensure life-saving care remains available,” WSHA President and CEO Cassie Sauer …