Schneck Medical Center is closely monitoring the ongoing national shortage of IV fluids that has impacted hospitals and healthcare providers across the country, a hospital official reported Friday.

The shortage, caused by disruptions in the global supply chain, is affecting the availability of these critical fluids for patient care.

“We are aware of the current shortage and have taken proactive steps to manage our supply while maintaining the highest level of care for our patients,” said Dr. Eric Fish, president and CEO of Schneck. “Our priority is to ensure that urgent and emergency procedures continue without disruption, while we carefully manage resources for non-emergency cases.”

Schneck has implemented a comprehensive IV fluid conservation plan. This includes reviewing and optimizing fluid use for each patient, exploring alternative therapies, and ensuring that the available supply is prioritized for critical needs.

Hospital staff have been trained in best practices for conservation, and a team has been designated to oversee the efficient use of all medical resources during this time.

“We understand the concern this may raise for patients and their families, but we want to reassure the public that patient safety remains our top concern,” said Fish said, “We are working around the clock to identify additional sources of IV fluids and collaborate with other healthcare partners to minimize the impact of this shortage.”

While emergency care and urgent surgeries remain unaffected, some non-emergency procedures may be rescheduled as part of the hospital’s effort to preserve supplies. Affected patients are being contacted directly and will be offered the earliest available new dates for their procedures.

“We recognize that these delays may be difficult for our patients, and we are committed to rescheduling these procedures as soon as we have sufficient supplies in place,” Fish added. “We are grateful for the patience and understanding of our patients and their families during this time.”