A global shortage of intravenous (IV) fluid products has hit Hunter hospitals , threatening surgeries and various other treatments. Login or signup to continue reading The shortage is expected to continue this year, raising concerns about the effects on patients. An internal Hunter New England Health email said the IV fluids shortage had "high importance".
"The critical disruption to the supply of multiple IV fluid bags is ongoing," it said. It said a supply had been found in France, but the Olympics Games was delaying delivery this month. The cost of this supply was 10-fold higher than "the Australian registered products".
A John Hunter Hospital source said "unless patients really need fluids, we need to be careful about using them". The source said the problem could "potentially affect surgeries". "If you have a patient that could need fluid resuscitation, they could hold off on that because they don't have fluids to do it.
" Another source said the Calvary Mater was also low on stocks. The NSW Clinical Excellence Commission issued a safety alert on the matter and recommended ways to conserve IV fluids. "Use the smallest possible volume of IV fluids for the required indication.
Use smaller bag sizes for slower rate infusions where possible," it said. "Ensure regular review of patients receiving IV infusions and switch to alternative routes of administration as soon as possible. "Regularly assess patients who may be suitable for oral hydration prior to the initiation or conti.