BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A nationwide IV fluid shortage in the wake of Hurricane Helene brings changes to Massachusetts' largest hospital system.
Mass General Brigham announced it will postpone non-emergent, elective surgeries, requiring certain IV fluids starting Sunday, Oct. 13 until Wednesday Oct. 16.
In a statement to WBZ NewsRadio, the hospital said the production plant from their main IV fluid supplier was damaged due to Hurricane Helene.
"While we strive to minimize any impact on patients, these measures will ensure we are able to care for those in immediate need,” the statement continued. “Due to the unpredictable nature of this situation, we do not know when our supply of IV fluids will improve but we are closely monitoring and will continuously evaluate to ensure we can return to normal operations as soon as possible.”
On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a nationwide IV fluid shortage after Baxter International Inc.’s, the country’s largest supplier, production plant in North Carolina was shut down due to flooding and other damages caused of Hurricane Helene.
Baxter said in a statement that the company are working to restore manufacturing operations as quickly as possible. They provide around 60 percent of sterile IV solutions for hospitals around the country, including MGB.
In the meantime, MGB has contacted affected patients to reschedule surgeries.
WBZ NewsRadio's Charlie Bergeron (@CharlieBergeron) reports.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App | TikTok