Effects of an IV fluid shortage in Arizona’s hospitals

More from this show

Banner Health, Arizona’s largest healthcare system, is holding off on some elective surgeries due to a nationwide IV fluid shortage. Baxter International, the leading supplier of IV fluids, is still shut down after Hurricane Helene slammed North Carolina last month. The plant is responsible for about 60% of the country’s supply of IV fluids. Valleywise is also seeing shortages.

Dr. Frank LoVecchio of ASU College of Health Solutions who is also an ER doctor at Valleywise Health joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the real effects of the shortage on Arizonans needing medical care.

“Right now the hospitals in general usually have about a four-week supply backed up of IV fluid so you don’t have too much but you want to make sure you have enough, and right now they’re under 10 days supply on average. The good news is we are hoping by Thanksgiving they are going to be replenished,” LoVecchio said.

Since the damage to Baxter International, the Biden Administration has gotten involved by invoking wartime powers of the Defense Production Act to help speed up rebuilding the facility damaged by the hurricane. The law was previously used to help boost the manufacturing of healthcare supplies during the pandemic.

Dr. Frank LeVecchio

Ted Simons
airs Nov. 5

‘Arizona Horizon’ live post-election coverage

A man holding a skull of Lucy
airs Nov. 6

Lucy’s Lasting Legacy: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of her discovery

Images of veterans with the words: My Favorite Veteran

Help Arizona PBS celebrate and thank our Veterans

A graphic featuring a Monopoly board and text reading: Voter Ed: What is the political makeup of Arizona?
aired Sept. 27

What is the political makeup of Arizona voters?

Subscribe to Arizona PBS Newsletters

STAY in touch
with azpbs.org!

Subscribe to Arizona PBS Newsletters: