Yvonne Hemz was set to have a cancerous tumor removed from her kidney but had her surgery canceled due to a shortage of IV fluids after Hurricane Helene damaged a Baxter International facility in North Carolina. The closure of the nation’s largest producer of IV fluids has caused hospitals across the U.S. to postpone surgeries and conserve supply. Patients like Hannah Hale, who relies on IV nutrition due to Crohn’s disease, are struggling to find alternative solutions as pharmacies run out of vital supplies. The federal government is working with Baxter and other manufacturers to increase supply and allow for temporary imports of IV fluids. However, patients like Robert, who require dialysis, are facing immediate needs due to the shortage of essential fluids. Hospitals are being forced to find alternatives and conserve supply, impacting the treatment of patients who require IV fluids for hydration, blood pressure regulation, and other medical needs. The situation highlights the importance of a stable supply chain for critical medical supplies and the challenges that arise when disruptions occur.
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