Hurricane Helene’s path of destruction and flooding lead to the closure of a Baxter plant in Marion, North Carolina. Baxter is the supplier of 60% of the nation’s IV solution products, which are used in many clinical procedures.
While SSM Health is not directly impacted by the shortage, the health system is moving to conserve and carefully manage supply it has on hand. That’s because other suppliers, like B Braun which is used by SSM Health, are filling the gaps and sending supply that Baxter typically distributes.
Clinically, that means providers are making some changes as needed to be mindful of the supply available.
“We’re being really strict on fluids being administered,” says Ariel Thurmer, SSM Health system clinical manager for pharmacy, noting that clinical teams will switch patients from IV fluids to oral hydration as soon as they are well enough to make the change. “We’re being very conscious of watching really closely a handful of ways to make drugs differently – so still safe and effective, but maybe with a little less fluid.”
This is not the first time SSM Health has dealt with a shortage of IV fluids. In 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico where a large portion of the nation’s saline production was housed. Then, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the supply chain was often impacted by a variety of issues like closed ports.
“There are always unknowns of where hurricanes and natural disasters may take us in terms of supply disruptions,” says Keith Despins, senior director for supply chain for SSM Health in Wisconsin. “There are steps we take once we learn the path from suppliers to move supply across the country to help protect inventory.”
While it’s unclear when the nation’s supply of IV solution will be back to normal, there is good news. Baxter was able to increase its production at other facilities and plans to import IV solution and dialysis products from sites in Canada, China, Ireland and the UK as it works to resume full operations in the US. Baxter is hopeful the production lines will be back to full capacity by the end of 2024.
You can watch Ariel and Keith share their insights on the current shortage with WKOW, the ABC affiliate based in Madison, Wis.
