NYS Health Commissioner comments on IV shortage impact on NY patients, hospitals

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- When Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina, it damaged a facility that produces about 60 percent of the country's IV fluid supply. In New York, the impact has led to rescheduling of some elective surgeries, and some officials are creating a team to explore alternatives.

The New York State Health Commissioner said some hospitals will be able to make their own IV fluids, though that kind of production would be limited. But they can also call the company in North Carolina directly if necessary.

"About half of the hospitals in New York State right now are reporting some impact from this, so they're noticing some difficulty in getting IV fluids," NYS Health Commissioner Dr. Jim McDonald said. "They've been instructed to work with the manufacturer Baxter to help mitigate that if they get to a crisis standpoint."

Dr. McDonald expects the situation to ebb and flow over the coming dates and weeks but doesn't expect it to be fully resolved until the end of the year.