Catholic Health cancels most elective surgeries requiring IV fluids amid shortage

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Catholic Health announced in a statement Monday night that it is canceling most elective surgeries that require intravenous (IV) fluids for the rest of the week as it prepares for “significant shortages.”

The shortage stems from Hurricane Helene’s impact on a Baxter drug manufacturing facility in Marion, North Carolina, Catholic Health said.

According to the New York State Department of Health, the Baxter plant provides upwards of 60 percent of IV fluids used in the country.

“We will continue to perform surgeries which do not require IV fluids, as well as all emergency surgeries and other urgent and emergent procedures,” Catholic Health said in the statement.

They said their team is working to “identify additional sources of supply” and if patients have questions, they should reach out to their physician’s office.

Kaleida Heath said in a statement Monday that it has “implemented proactive measures to manage and conserve our existing supply, while working diligently to secure alternative options.” They have also postponed a “limited amount” of elective surgeries for the rest of the week.

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Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here.

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