Indiana hospitals have implemented a comprehensive conservation plan during the ongoing national shortage of IV fluid that has impacted health care facilities and hospitals across the country.
Delays in shipments from third party vendors have forced some hospitals to reassess their stock and prioritize the current supply for patients in critical need. Hospitals are experiencing varying degrees of impact.
“It could take weeks until some hospitals begin receiving their allocation of IV fluids,” said Blake Dye, interim president of Indiana Hospital Association.
The conservation plan includes reviewing and optimizing fluid use for each patient, exploring alternative therapies and prioritizing supply.
Some hospitals are rescheduling elective and non-emergent procedures to preserve the IV fluid supply. In these cases, patients will be notified by their provider to reschedule. Emergency care and urgent surgeries remain unaffected.
“We’re certainly not alone in this predicament as this is a nationwide shortage impacting every state,” Dye said. “Hoosiers should feel confident that Indiana’s hospitals are managing through the current situation, taking proactive measures that are aligned with clinical best practices and are working diligently to minimize the impact on patient care.”
Indiana Hospital Association continues to work with the Indiana Department of Health and the American Hospital Association to assess current supply levels and convey the impact of disruption nationwide.
“We appreciate the way that Indiana hospitals are minimizing the impact this national shortage is having on patient care,” said Lindsay M. Weaver, State Health Commissioner. “The Indiana Department of Health is in contact with Indiana hospitals and remains dedicated to working with our state and federal partners until the situation is resolved.”
To learn more about Indiana Hospital Association, visit IHAConnect.org.
To read more health stories, click here.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
