Rochester, NY – A nationwide shortage of IV fluids is impacting health systems across the country, including Rochester Regional Health.
Locally, we have established system-wide conservation efforts guided by best clinical practices, the latest research, and our values that compel us to treat our patients like our own family. Our efforts include prioritizing oral hydration when clinically appropriate, using smaller volumes when possible and increasing oversight by medical providers to ensure IV fluids are used only as long as necessary.
While we have rescheduled a small number of elective procedures that require high volumes of IV fluids, we are otherwise maintaining our current procedures and operating room schedules.
We are extremely grateful to our clinical leaders, providers, pharmacy team and our patients for their incredible cooperation as we face this nationwide shortage together. As new information develops that impacts our patients, we will continue to update this page.
Frequently Asked Questions about the nationwide IV fluid shortage
What is causing the IV fluid shortage?
The shortage was caused by Hurricane Helene, which temporarily closed a major manufacturing facility in North Carolina that supplies IV fluids to the majority of hospital systems across the United States.
What is Rochester Regional Health doing to help patients during the shortage?
We are using various strategies to reduce the use of IV fluids at our facilities, including increased oversight of IV fluid use, using smaller volumes when possible, and prioritizing oral hydration when appropriate.
When will supplies of IV fluids return to normal?
There is currently no estimated timeline for when production at the manufacturing facility will resume. We will continue to communicate regularly with our providers and the community as updates are warranted.
Should I avoid coming to the hospital or my appointment?
No. We are committed to providing care to everyone in our community in all healthcare settings – inpatient and outpatient. If there are any changes in scheduled appointments or procedures, your provider will contact you directly.
Who should I talk with about this?
For questions about the nationwide IV shortage and if it might affect your medical care, please reach out to your provider directly.