National IV Fluid Supply Shortage Update

Albany Medical Center continues to monitor its IV fluid supply and shipments following the national Baxter supply shortage caused by the effects of Hurricane Helene, affecting hospitals nationwide.

We have implemented several measures to assist in conservation of current supplies, and sourcing and procurement of additional supplies. However, since the shortage is anticipated to continue for at least the next several weeks, a very small number of elective or non-emergent procedures are being delayed for a brief time until additional supply becomes available. This measure will ensure we have adequate supply on hand for our most critical patients and for life-saving surgeries and procedures.

Patients do not need to call their physician's office. Patients whose procedures are delayed will be contacted directly. We will work with those patients impacted to reschedule their procedures in the coming weeks as supplies are replenished.

Patients who have procedures scheduled who are not notified should still report for their scheduled procedures.

Our staff has worked diligently to conserve supply since the shortage first came to light and will continue to do so. We thank all our partners for their efforts as we continue to conserve and appropriately allocate resources. This is a day-to-day, hour-to-hour situation that is affecting the entire country. We are making every effort to prioritize the most critical cases and working with our System hospitals to take a strategic, thoughtful approach.