Here’s why Arizona’s largest hospital system is delaying some elective surgeries

PHOENIX – Arizona’s largest hospital system is delaying some elective surgeries due to a nationwide IV fluid shortage caused by Hurricane Helene.

Banner Health said the decision was made to ensure that its hospitals have enough IV fluid on hand for critical and life-saving surgeries.

The health care provider has been receiving only partial shipments due to the shortage and no longer has enough intravenous fluid to maintain its usual surgery pace.

Banner started delaying some non-essential procedures on Monday and is reaching out to impacted patients.

Hospital officials are uncertain how long the elective surgery delays will continue.

Procedures classified as elective often are medically necessary, and delays can lead to dangerous complications.

Why is there a nationwide IV fluid shortage?

The IV fluid shortage started when Hurricane Helene hit the Baxter International manufacturing facility in western North Carolina last month, shutting down the largest producer of IV fluids and peritoneal dialysis solutions in the country.

The storm flooded the Baxter plant as it moved inland after making landfall Sept. 26 in Florida’s Big Bend region.

The company said it was ramping up production at other facilities as it works to resume operations in North Carolina.

Baxter said it was aiming to restore North Carolina production in phases by the end of the year. It didn’t have a timeline for when it could be back to pre-hurricane levels.

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