The MHA continues to support Michigan hospitals in response to the Baxter IV solutions shortage that began the week of Sept. 29. Baxter International Inc. temporarily closed its North Cove manufacturing plant in Marion, N.C., due to flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. As the largest IV solutions plant in the country, North Cove produces 1.5 million bags of IV solution per day and supplies 60% of the nation’s IV solutions, including critical products like saline, sterile water and peritoneal dialysis solutions.
The MHA continues to hold discussions with healthcare leaders across the state to address the ongoing shortage. These conversations allow hospitals to share insights on supply challenges and explore collaborative strategies for managing the shortage. The MHA continues to gather feedback from its members to advocate for solutions and provide updates on the evolving situation.
Baxter launched a new webpage Oct. 14 with resources that hospitals can use for product management and conservation strategies. The webpage contains resources from Baxter, the federal government and other groups. In addition, Baxter said shipments to the U.S. from two Baxter sites abroad “started last week and more are on the way.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory Oct. 12 to inform healthcare providers, pharmacists, healthcare administrators and health departments of a supply disruption affecting peritoneal dialysis (PD) and IV solutions. This shortage also stems from damage to the Baxter facility.
In response, the advisory includes recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the American Society of Nephrology, and other key organizations to help healthcare providers manage the shortage. ASHP also updated its conservation resource Oct. 11 to provide guidance for managing fluid shortages and conserving supplies.
The FDA also released guidance Oct. 11 that is effective immediately for compounding certain parenteral drug products in response to the effects of recent hurricanes, including the closure of the Baxter manufacturing plant.
The Baxter Hurricane Helene webpage continues to serve as a single source of information, providing the latest company updates about allocation plans. Updates will be provided on Mondays and Thursdays. Members are encouraged to contact Baxter for questions related to the IV solution situation, particularly if they are in dire need of product. The American Hospital Association is also maintaining a Baxter resource webpage too.
The MHA encourages Michigan residents to consult with their healthcare providers for updates on the shortage and its impact on hospital operations in their area.
Members with questions should contact Laura Appel at the MHA.