Midland Memorial Hospital (MMH) has announced the temporary postponement of certain elective surgical procedures that require IV fluids, starting Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This decision comes in response to a national shortage caused by Hurricane Helene's impact on a key production facility. The hurricane severely damaged Baxter’s North Cove plant in North Carolina, which is a major supplier of IV fluids in the United States.
To ensure urgent patient care remains prioritized, MMH has put strict conservation measures in place and is actively seeking additional supplies from various sources. Despite these efforts, supply levels remain critically low. As a result, MMH will begin postponing elective surgeries requiring IV fluids to keep emergency procedures unaffected.
Patients affected by this postponement will be contacted directly by MMH staff. Once the supply situation improves, the hospital will work with physicians to reschedule these procedures. Patients who have not been notified should proceed with their scheduled appointments. Procedures related to endoscopy, otolaryngology (ears, nose and throat), and ophthalmology will not be postponed.
The hospital's conservation strategies include daily inventory checks and limiting IV fluid use to essential cases only while promoting alternative hydration methods where possible. The team at MMH continues to monitor the situation closely and collaborate with suppliers to restore normal operations as soon as feasible.
Dr. Saravanan, Chief Medical Officer at MMH, stated: “We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience as we work to conserve vital resources for our most critical patients.” He added that they remain committed to providing high-quality care.
Further information can be found through Baxter's updates on their North Cove facility and Hurricane Helene relief plans.