Midland Memorial Hospital Postpones Some Elective Procedures Due to IV Fluid Shortage

Midland Memorial Hospital (MMH) is temporarily postponing select elective surgical procedures requiring IV fluids effective Tuesday, November 5, 2024, due to a national shortage stemming from Hurricane Helene’s impact on a major production facility. The hurricane caused severe damage to Baxter’s North Cove, North Carolina plant, which supplies a significant portion of the country’s IV fluids. This shortage has affected hospitals nationwide.

To prioritize urgent patient care, MMH has implemented strict conservation measures and is actively sourcing additional supplies from multiple suppliers. However, with supply levels remaining critically low and assessing our patient needs, MMH will begin postponing elective surgical procedures requiring IV fluids to ensure that emergency procedures remain unaffected.

Patients scheduled for postponed procedures will be notified directly by MMH staff. Once the IV fluid supply stabilizes, MMH will coordinate with physicians to reschedule these procedures. Patients who have not received notification should arrive as scheduled for their procedures. Endoscopy, Otolaryngologist (Ears, Nose and Throat) and Ophthalmology cases will NOT be postponed.

MMH’s ongoing conservation efforts include daily inventory monitoring, limiting IV fluid use to essential cases, and encouraging alternative methods of hydration wherever possible. Our team continues to monitor the situation and collaborate with suppliers to restore normal operating conditions as soon as possible.

“We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience as we work to conserve vital resources for our most critical patients,” said Dr. Saravanan, Chief Medical Officer. “We remain committed to providing the highest quality of care to our community.”

Other resources:

Baxter Provides Update on North Cove, N.C., Facility and Hurricane Helene Relief Plans for Community | Baxter

Hurricane Helene Updates | Baxter