Catholic Health to resume surgeries after hurricane caused nationwide IV shortage

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Catholic Health will resume elective surgeries at its network of hospitals Friday after postponing most of them earlier in the week due to a nationwide IV shortage, and will return to a full surgical schedule Monday.

The shortage was a result of Hurricane Helene's impact on a Baxter drug manufacturing facility in Marion, North Carolina, Catholic Health said earlier this week. According to the New York State Department of Health, the Baxter plant provides over 60 percent of intravenous fluids used in the country.

"We have been able to ensure we have the IV solutions for our patients who need them most,” Catholic Health's Chief Physician Executive, Dr. Victor Filadora, said in a statement Thursday afternoon. “We would like to thank our patients for their understanding and our physicians and caregivers for taking the lead in our system and community to safely manage this critical situation while continuing to provide the highest quality care.”

Catholic Health said patients should reach out to their physician's office if they have questions about an upcoming procedure.

Catholic Health hospitals include Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Sisters of Charity Hospital, and its St. Joseph Campus.