How Providence is responding to national IV fluid shortage

Baxter, one of Providence’s pharmacological suppliers, was impacted by Hurricane Helene and had to close production at a manufacturing facility in North Carolina. Baxter supplies Providence with around 130 products including intravenous and peritoneal dialysis solutions. The situation and impact to products are in a continuous monitoring cycle to make sure our inventory is available to meet the needs of our patients 24/7.  

Providence and our family of brands are employing various mitigation strategies to ensure there is minimal disruption to patient care, including strategies to conserve current supply and use of alternative fluids and solutions as appropriate. Some of our actions to make sure we address all critical, and urgent patient care needs may necessitate a rescheduling of elective (non-urgent, non-emergent) procedures and surgeries. All steps taken to manage this shortage are in alignment with the highest quality and safest care. 

The number and kinds of postponements will vary by hospital, and all affected patients will be notified directly. All other patients should keep their scheduled appointments. Patients with an urgent medical need should not delay care—our emergency departments remain open for those who require immediate medical attention.