In the wake of national tragedies, the UVM Health Network is working to ensure the health and safety of its patients. An important IV fluid production plant in North Carolina was flooded by Hurricane Helene, limiting access to the vital medical supply. This makes it necessary for hospitals to plan out their use of IV fluid more carefully in order to not run out.

Luckily UVMHN is taking steps to mitigate the dangers of this situation. As the Vermont Business Magazine reports, hospitals and clinics across the network are attempting to conserve IV fluid through a variety of ways, including offering alternative treatments like rehydration therapy where it is feasible. Despite this, procedures have not been postponed and patients should still show up for their scheduled appointments and surgeries unless their provider says otherwise. UVMHN also has teams constantly monitoring the usage rate and amount of the affected materials, which will be used to make decisions about any elective procedures scheduled to take place before the supply issue is resolved.

The chief Medical Officer of UVMHN, David Clauss, MD, spoke on the issue, saying, “We are putting patient safety first in every decision and continuing to evaluate the situation as it evolves. Our number one priority is ensuring that we are able to provide emergency care to our patients when they need us, and we will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure adequate supply of IV fluids.” UVM Health Network hospitals are also working closely with supply chain teams, purchasing organizations, and the New York, Vermont, and federal governments to explore any additional ways to acquire more supplies and manage their resources.

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