i think it may even be connected to how and why he died.
he was between chemo regimes and waiting on the next course but was suffering from dehydration due to nausea and unable to keep anything , including water, down and his family and med facility was haveing trouble sourcing iv bags , saline iv bags, when he developed a single blood clot in his arm from wrist to shoulder.
i wonder if he had been able to get the saline iv bags readily if he would not have developed the clot.
Even if it costs slightly more, would it not be better to make our drugs here, including generics. Like we used to in Puerto Rico I believe? And the rest of our medical supplies as well? For security reasons if nothing else?
I just checked with them. They say:
“Baxter International aims to restore full production at their North Cove facility by the end of 2024. They plan to reach 90% to 100% of their pre-Hurricane Helene production levels for certain IV products by then. The recovery process involves phased increases in production capacity, with ongoing remediation efforts and support from regulatory agencies.
1. Facility Remediation: Baxter is working around the clock to assess and repair the damage caused by flooding. They are coordinating with local, state, and federal officials to expedite the process.
2. Supply Chain Adjustments: To mitigate the supply disruption, Baxter has implemented a protective allocation process for their IV products. They are also reallocating capacity from other facilities and importing products temporarily.
3. Employee and Community Support: Baxter has committed $1.5 million in donations to support recovery efforts in the local community. They are also matching employee donations at a 2:1 ratio to further aid relief efforts.
4. Regulatory Coordination: Baxter is working closely with regulatory agencies like the FDA, HHS, and FEMA to ensure compliance and support for their recovery efforts.
5. Communication with Customers: Baxter is keeping their customers informed about the status of their supply and the steps being taken to restore full production.”
The end of 2024 is 30 days from now. I’m not sure they’ll make it. I wish them a speedy recovery to full production.
Ideas that come to mind are room humidification and reducing salt and sugar in the food.
My husband was hospitalized in August 2024. The bags, which he needed ‘round the clock, were $3,000 each. At first they were on the rack thing two at a time.
I’m in the hospital right now for the third time over the last couple of months. I cannot eat and can drink only so much. I demanded an IV bag this morning because I’m so dehydrated. The same bag has been running over eight hours. Ridiculous-I’m still dehydrated.
I know what is going to happen. Hospitals will permanently cut costs by not utilizing bags even after the supply is restored.
It’s irresponsible to source such critical supplies from a single manufacturer.
I went to the emergency room with anemia. They gave me a whole 1L bag of Ringer’s. But I do remember someone mentioning an IV bag shortage.
Sorry for your brother and your family.
And right there is another industry we need more of. However, iirc, this shortage has been going on for years.
Maybe I’m showing my age, but I remember, dimly, IV’s feeding from glass bottles.
Your Next Hospital Stay Could Involve Fewer IV Fluid Bags. Here’s Why.
Remember when they were glass it’s BACK.