National IV and Surgical Fluid Shortage

How Baptist Health and Wolfson Children’s are responding to provide high-quality, safe care.

National IV and Surgical Fluid Shortage Main Content

Hurricane Helene damaged a crucial intravenous (IV) fluid manufacturing facility in North Carolina, leading to a nationwide shortage of fluids. Although efforts are being made to increase production and supplies, hospitals, like Baptist Health, are expected to be impacted for several weeks.

Baptist Health is committed to maintaining safe, high-quality care across all our facilities throughout the shortage and have introduced evidence-based conservation strategies to help support our patients' needs.

How Baptist Health is Handling the Shortage

How is the nationwide IV fluid shortage impacting Baptist Health?
Like many health systems nationwide, Baptist Health is actively managing the effects of a national shortage of IV fluids and related medical supplies. We are committed to maintaining safe, high-quality care across all our facilities and have introduced evidence-based conservation strategies to support our patients' needs.

What steps is Baptist Health taking?
To ensure we have sufficient IV fluids for emergency and critical patients, Baptist Health is using multiple evidence-based conservation measures, such as opting for smaller IV bags, encouraging oral hydration, and switching medications to oral forms when appropriate.

Will this impact procedures?
As our team works to ensure we have sufficient IV fluids for emergency and critical patients, we may need to reschedule certain non-urgent or non-emergent procedures and surgeries. Any impacted patients will be contacted by their physician’s office directly. All other patients should arrive as scheduled.

Should I still seek care if I have a health concern?
Yes! If you need medical attention, please contact your primary care provider or call 911 in an emergency. Our emergency departments remain open and are prepared to care for patients.

a gloved hand of a healthcare worker holds an IV bag that is hanging from it's holder.

About the Nationwide Shortage

What caused the shortage of medical fluids?
The shortage stems from disruptions in production due to damage from Hurricane Helene at a manufacturing plant in North Carolina, which supplies a significant portion of the nation’s IV fluids. In response, manufacturers have temporarily limited shipments to existing customers.

How long will the shortage last?
It’s difficult to predict how long the national shortage will last, but it is estimated it could last for several weeks.

When will U.S. hospitals receive additional supplies?
Federal agencies are helping to secure additional supply from international sources to alleviate the shortage.

An elderly woman holding a glass of water.

Keeping Your Loved Ones Healthy During the IV Fluid Shortage

Staying well-hydrated is one of the best ways to support your health and reduce the chance of needing a medical visit for IV fluids.

As always, it's important to keep an eye on people who are more vulnerable to dehydration, such as infants and small children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, athletes and outdoor workers, and pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Here are some general tips for staying hydrated:

  • Drink Water Regularly: Aim for eight glasses per day and increase intake if you’re active or outside in the heat.
  • Eat Hydrating Foods: Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges can help maintain your fluid balance.
  • Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Both can lead to dehydration, so consider moderating these beverages.
  • Check for Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, dark-colored urine, and dry skin can all indicate dehydration—address it promptly by drinking water.