BOSTON – Mass. General Brigham is postponing elective procedures until at least Wednesday this week, leaving many patients wondering what new factors they should consider when rescheduling.
IV fluid plant shut down by Hurricane Helene
After Hurricane Helene shut down an IV fluid plant in North Carolina, Mass General Brigham is receiving only 40% of their usual supply – critical to delivering hydration and medication to patients.
“We use hundreds of thousands of liters of these fluids across our system every month, and so even small savings make a big difference in terms of preserving our inventory,” explains Dr. Paul Biddinger, who served as chief preparedness and continuity officer for Gen. Brigham.
IV fluids are still readily available for emergency patients and those who are admitted. But this month, conservation measures took center stage; things like: patients who can – drink to hydrate, don’t prepare new IV bags “just in case”, and now postpone surgeries that are not urgent.
Several of Alex Weingart’s cases in the OR were canceled. He is an expert in medical devices and provides technical support to surgeons.
Overwhelming for patients
Healthcare professionals know how overwhelming this is for patients, especially the elderly, those with special needs or where there is a language barrier.
“The mental toll of preparing for surgery is non-transferable and it is something that is unique to each person. To be in that mindset where you go to those pre-op appointments and get ready for surgery takes guts and courage and to then have that happen away from you is a significant setback,” Weingart said.
Baxter International, which supplies 60% of U.S. IV fluids, hopes to resume production in phases at its North Carolina plant by the end of the year. Mass General Brigham said finding a new supplier could be difficult as those distributors want to prioritize their existing customers.
