IV Fluid Shortage

Like most U.S. hospitals, Cincinnati Children’s is affected by the IV fluid shortage caused by damage to Baxter International’s North Carolina production facility during Hurricane Helene.

Our teams responded right away to minimize the impact to our patients. We have developed safe ways to make the products we have last longer. We are also working to buy the products we need from other approved suppliers.

We are encouraging hydration by mouth and alternative delivery of medications and nutrition for patients who can safely have them in other forms.

We understand these restrictions may be worrying for patients and families. We are committed to ensuring every patient has safe and appropriate care that meets their specific needs while also responsibly managing our supplies. Our teams are communicating with each family affected by the shortage to address their situation. We review the measures we have put in place daily to ensure they are still right and adjust as needed.

Baxter is prioritizing children’s hospitals – which we appreciate – but we are not yet receiving our normal and necessary supply of fluid products.

Our teams will continue to watch this situation and will provide any updates as needed.