CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WHSV) – The effects of Hurricane Helen are still being felt across the region, causing supply chain issues.
UVA Health is currently running out of IV fluids. Blake Herring, cancer service line manager at UVA Health, said he is feeling the impact of supply chain issues at Baxter International in North Carolina.
“The company is based in North Carolina and supplies approximately 60% of IV products in the United States, and severe flooding has impacted its operations,” Herring said.
Although UVA Health has discontinued a limited number of infusions, care for cancer patients has not been delayed, Herring said.
“Some of our patients are not non-oncology patients who are time-sensitive. For example, some patients have delayed iron infusions,” Herring said.
Herring said she has returned to caring for all patients and canceled appointments have been rescheduled.
“Now, through conservation efforts, we have changed the way we perform some surgeries and the way we administer IV treatments. As a result, we have been able to increase supply and inventory,” Herring said.
Herring said UVA Health is checking for shortages daily.
“The good thing is that we’re focused on making sure cancer patients get treatment and get it done on a regular schedule,” Herring said.
Some patients have contacted UVA Health with concerns. Herring said UVA Health has been proactively communicating with patients and reaching out to let them know if there are any changes to their care.
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