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Netherlands tackles IV fluid shortage
A nationwide IV fluid shortage in the Netherlands, caused by Hurricane Helene damaging a major US production facility, is being partly addressed by the Martini Hospital in Groningen increasing its production.
Dutch
Netherlands
HealthEuropean UnionNetherlandsHealthcareCrisisMedicineHospitalShortage
Martini ZiekenhuisRtv NoordNos NieuwsInspectie Gezondheidszorg En Jeugd (Igj)Baxter
René Van Hulst
- When is the IV fluid shortage expected to end?
- While the American factory is back online, the shortage is expected to last until mid-January. The hospital aims to produce extra IV fluids starting in early December, but its capacity is limited.
- What measures are other hospitals taking to address the shortage?
- The hospital's pharmacy, one of the few in the Netherlands to produce medication on a large scale, will increase its production of IV fluids to assist other hospitals in need.
- What is the main cause of the IV fluid shortage in the Netherlands?
- The Martini Hospital in Groningen, Netherlands, is stepping up to help alleviate a nationwide shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids.
- How is the Martini Hospital in Groningen responding to the shortage?
- The shortage is due to the temporary closure of a major Baxter production facility in North Carolina, damaged by Hurricane Helene, resulting in a 25% reduction in IV fluid supply.
- What are the limitations faced by the Martini Hospital in its efforts to increase IV fluid production?
- Other hospitals are employing measures such as substituting pills for IV medication and using smaller IV bags to conserve supplies; the IGJ has also permitted importing fluids from abroad.