SimVS’ Post

I am shocked to learn that just ONE manufacturing facility makes 60-70% of the I.V. fluids distributed in United States 😳 ...What??? Hurricane Helene, which struck in late September 2024, severely damaged a major Baxter International manufacturing plant in North Cove, North Carolina.  This plant is responsible for producing about 60-70% of the IV fluids used in U.S. hospitals and clinics. 👉 The damage has exacerbated existing shortages of IV fluids that have been ongoing since the 2020 pandemic. This shortage is affecting hospitals, IV clinics, and medical spas across the country. Key points: • Over 86% of healthcare providers are experiencing shortages • 54% have supplies for only 10 days or less • Many facilities are postponing elective procedures #MedspaDiaries #MedspaMasters #JaneDhillon #IVTherapy #Wellness #Medicine #Hangover #HydrationTherapy #MedicalSpa #Medspa101 #IVClinics #AestheticPractice #IVShortage #HealthcareNews #MedicalUpdate

In recent weeks, our nation has faced the devastating impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which have ravaged the southeastern United States. The effects of these storms extend far beyond the region, sending shockwaves that are being felt across the nation. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, one of the nation's largest producers of IV fluids was forced to shut down its facility in North Carolina. This closure has pushed the national supply of IV fluids to dangerously low levels, prompting hospitals nationwide to cancel elective surgeries in a bid to conserve their dwindling reserves. Thanks to MATTER 360, MATTER’s medical repurposing initiative, we are providing several hospitals with the IV fluids they need to supplement their supplies during this crisis. “Just as we assisted hospitals in the US during the pandemic when critical PPE (personal protection equipment) was needed, we are honored to be able to come alongside US-based hospitals to provide them with the IV fluids that are critical to maintaining their healthcare operations,” said Joel Anderson, Executive Vice-President of MATTER 360. “Many of these hospitals have aided healthcare facilities around the world through their donations of medical equipment and supplies to MATTER. Now we have the opportunity to turn around and help them in their time of need. It’s a privilege to serve them in this way.” As communities continue to grapple with the aftermath of these unprecedented storms, MATTER remains committed to helping healthcare providers across the U.S. as they navigate these extraordinary challenges. Learn more about the work of MATTER 360 👉 https://lnkd.in/gWxD7bk7 #hospitals #ivfluid #medical #hurricanehelene #healthcare #medicalsupplies

Disaster Preparedness and Response - American Academy of Family Physicians #Physicians #Emergencymanagement #Emergencypreparedness #Hospitals #Familyphysicians

Hospitals across Florida are closely monitoring the IV Fluid shortage as Baxter International Inc. works to bring its production plant back online after #HurricaneHelene disrupted operations just outside of Asheville, NC and #HurricaneMilton disrupted operations in Daytona, FL. Baxter supplies 60% of the nation's IV fluid and peritoneal dialysis solution. “Our hospitals have done a great job managing their inventory so that this does not affect patient care, at least in the short term,” said Mary Mayhew, president and CEO of the Florida Hospital Association. Since Hurricane Helene knocked the North Carolina facility offline nearly two weeks ago, the situation shows signs of improvement. Baxter has increased their distribution from 40% to 60% and for distributors from 10% to 60%. Still, many hospitals are practicing aggressive inventory management to preserve this critical life-saving resource until allocations are back to 100%. To learn more about the IV solution supply chain disruption: https://lnkd.in/eyzgkQJc 

Update on IV Solution Supply Shortages: On October 9, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary @Xavier Becerra issued a letter to healthcare providers, followed by a press statement on October 11, addressing IV solution supply shortages caused by Hurricane Helene. HHS is actively coordinating with the FDA and other agencies to boost supply and protect products from the impacted North Carolina facility. Efforts are underway to restore operations and ensure a steady supply of IV fluids. The ASPR also released a tip sheet on managing supplies during the shortage. https://bit.ly/48nfWnN #HealthcareNews #HHSUpdate #IVShortage #SupplyChain #HurricaneHelene #HealthcareProviders #FDA #ASPR

At Daviess Community Hospital, we are aware of the current nationwide IV fluid shortage, which has been impacted by recent hurricane-related disruptions in manufacturing. We are committed to ensure: • Adequate Supply: DCH continues to work with our distributors to secure the necessary IV fluid supplies to meet patient needs. • Proactive Planning: Our dedicated Materials Management team has developed contingency plans to address any potential future challenges. • Uninterrupted Care: Currently, we are not experiencing any disruption in treatments or procedures and have been able to conserve needed fluids. While we understand the concerns surrounding this national issue, we are confident in our preparation and ability to continue providing the highest quality care. We will remain vigilant and provide further updates if needed. #Healthcare #DCHosp #PatientCare #SupplyChainManagement

Critical Supply Chain Disruptions Impacting Clinical Studies Caused by Hurricane Helena: The healthcare industry is facing a significant challenge as catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene has temporarily closed a major facility owned by Baxter International, one of the nation’s largest IV fluid manufacturers. This closure has drastically reduced IV fluid shipments to hospitals, which could strain patient care delivery. Further compounding the issue, B. Braun Medical—the second-largest IV fluid manufacturer in the U.S.—announced the temporary closure of two facilities in Daytona Beach, Florida, in preparation for Hurricane Milton. These disruptions are likely to have a ripple effect on healthcare services across the country, and clinical trials may face delays due to the scarcity of these essential supplies. IV fluids are critical for many trial protocols, especially for delivering treatments to patients. To mitigate these risks, contingency plans must be put in place to prevent disruptions to patient visits to clinical sites and to ensure that ongoing trials can proceed safely and effectively. Long-term resilience strategies in the healthcare supply chain are crucial in an era of increasing extreme weather events. #Healthcare #ClinicalTrials #SupplyChain #DisasterPreparedness #IVFluids #Resilience #BaxterInternational #BBraunMedical

Update: Progress on Baxter IV Fluid Supply Recovery U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other key agencies are making great strides in restoring the supply of critical IV fluids following supply disruption at their NC facility due to Hurricane Helene. Baxter has distributed over 450 truckloads of product in the last 10 days, and hospitals and healthcare facilities now have 50% more product available than immediately after the storm. To further boost availability, airlifts of Baxter products from international facilities are set to begin on October 19, delivering millions of units to the U.S. over the coming weeks. Baxter is also ramping up production at its North Cove facility, and they anticipate increasing supply allocations to 90%-100% of historical levels by the end of the year. HHS is continuing to work closely with Baxter and other stakeholders to support supply chain recovery, while also encouraging healthcare providers to assess their inventory and implement conservation strategies. UHC will keep you updated as this situation evolves. #Healthcare #IVFluidShortage #SupplyChain #Baxter #PatientCare

Life-saving breakthrough for Northern Ireland, defibrillators have been installed at every Fire Station in Northern Ireland 🚒 The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has taken a monumental step by installing life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at all of its Fire Stations across the region. This proactive measure is a resounding testament to NIFRS's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the community. With a total of 67 Fire Stations and the NIFRS Headquarters in Lisburn now equipped with these cutting-edge defibrillators, NIFRS has taken a giant leap forward in ensuring rapid response to cardiac emergencies. The strategic placement of these life-saving devices means that help is now within reach for those in dire need, significantly increasing their chances of survival. The impact of this initiative cannot be overstated, as studies have shown that early intervention with defibrillators within 3 to 5 minutes of a cardiac arrest can lead to astonishing survival rates exceeding 50%. It's worth remembering that your local fire station has a defib for when it matters most!

Baxter International's North Cove plant manufactures 60% of IV fluids used by healthcare institutions across the country. Sadly, Hurricane Helene ravaged the Marion, NC production facility, leaving the U.S. with an IV bag shortage. IV fluids are a staple to patient care, especially in emergency departments, operating rooms, and intensive care units. I agree with Forbes' Robert Glatter, MD: "We must do better when it comes to planning and foresight for the availability of critical medical supplies affecting the survival of people living in the U.S." I think this serves as a call to action for governments and healthcare institutions to develop more of these types of facilities in both rural and urban areas to avoid a national collapse of the supply chain. #IVBag #HurricaneHelene #Healthcare