Knox Community Hospital (KCH) is addressing the shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids created by the destruction of Hurricane Helene. Baxter Healthcare, a significant national supplier, ceased operations at its North Carolina facility due to extensive storm damage. This closure has resulted in an immediate and significant IV fluid shortage across Ohio and the nation.

KCH said it is responding promptly to ensure safe, continuous care for patients and it has employed a number of strategies aimed at conserving current supplies while seeking to replenish inventory to meet ongoing need. A few of the many action steps taken include: Maintaining communication with Baxter and other potential suppliers; continual communication among all internal key staff (chief administrators, supply chain personnel, pharmacists, nurses, physicians, departmental directors, frontline caregivers, etc.), and with all external partners to facilitate efficient and effective collaboration; closely monitoring inventory levels and conserving IV fluid use through clinically safe and effective methods; and actively working with other central Ohio hospitals who are all implementing conservation best practices and assisting each other with critical supply shortage situations.

"As we monitor supply, we focus on maintaining sufficient inventory to provide uninterrupted care for emergency and critical care needs. Prioritizing treatment and procedures based on severity of a patient's medical situation is of primary focus. Due to the uncertainty regarding IV fluid supply, KCH may at times find it necessary to postpone some scheduled elective procedures to ensure ready availability of necessary supplies for emergency and critical patient situations," the hospital stated. 

"We hope anyone impacted by the possible postponing of an elective procedure will understand that such decisions are not made lightly. Inconveniencing any patient by delaying an elective procedure is not something KCH or any other healthcare facility ever wants to do. However, it appears that this critical shortage situation will at times require many hospitals to make such difficult choices before it is over. We will continue to work very hard to appropriately conserve, seek alternative supply sources, and allocate existing supplies to best meet the overall healthcare needs of our community."

Those that have an elective surgery scheduled at KCH and have NOT been informed of a postponement, should plan for the procedure to proceed as planned. If any elective patient procedure must be postponed, the patient will be contacted by phone as soon as possible once the decision has been made. 

"During this newest challenge facing hospitals across the nation, may we all hold good thoughts for everyone whose lives have been adversely affected by our country’s most recent natural disasters. Please know that all efforts at KCH are dedicated to providing you and your family with the healthcare and service you need to live your best lives," according to the hospital.