We don't get a lot of hurricanes here in the northeast part of the country, but that doesn't mean that when other states get hit, it can't affect us here in Massachusetts. My partner is a nurse at the hospital here in Berkshire County and she alerted me to the local clamp down of IV bags and fluids here.

Massachusetts Road Sign
Andy Dean
loading...

Hospitals in Mass. rocked with sudden shortage of IV bags and fluids.

IV fluids are used for a variety of reasons daily, including hydration, surgical irrigation and pushing or infusing drugs. Dr. James Lederer, chief medical officer at Berkshire Medical Center, said the vast majority of the hospital’s average census of 200 patients would likely use some form of IV fluids. -berksireeagle.com

Hospitals in the commonwealth are dealing with a shortage of IV bags. Will it get as bad as pandemic levels? That all depends on the Baxter Corporation's manufacturing center in North Cove, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene tore up the area where Baxter is located and they're trying to get back up and running.

Baxter Company produces IV bags for many hospitals in Massachusetts and provides up to 60% of product to the U.S.

A muddy Baxter plant in North Cove, North Carolina is seen below.

The site primarily manufactures intravenous and peritoneal dialysis solutions and is the largest manufacturer of these solutions in the United States. -baxter.com

Brenda Bellere Facebook Baxter Corp, NC
Brenda Bellere Facebook
Baxter Corp, NC
loading...

When will allocation of Baxter's product return to normal?

Baxter said earlier this week it had resumed shipping fluids to hospitals after a temporary pause. But the company is limiting how much customers can get, allowing them 60% of what they normally order. Baxter is also ramping up production of the products at its plants outside of the U.S. to help fill the need.- msn.com

Hospitals in Massachusetts has chosen to postpone certain elective procedures due to limited supplies.

BHS (Berkshire Health Systems) has postponed elective surgeries deemed safe to push back and will use oral hydration methods, such as Pedialyte and Gatorade, when reasonable to help stretch its supply as long as possible, according to Brenda Cadorette, chief nursing officer and vice president of acute care.

LOOK: Food and drink items that are highly restricted or banned in the U.S.

Stacker explores snacks and other food items banned in the U.S. From tasty cheeses to the famed Scottish dish haggis, these 30 foods aren't welcome in most of the United States.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

SWEET: 16 Totally Awesome '80s Candies We Were Obsessed With

Get ready to dive into a list of the most awesome '80s candies—those iconic treats that starred in movies, were sometimes more plastic than candy, and captured our hearts with their unforgettable flavors and wacky packaging.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

More From WBEC FM