St. James Hospital pauses some surgeries amid IV fluid shortages

HORNELL, N.Y. (WENY) -- St. James Hospital in Hornell is pausing elective and semi-elective surgeries starting Wednesday amid the nationwide IV fluid shortage, according to the hospital.

Hurricane Helene severely damaged an IV fluid and dialysis solution plan in Marion, North Carolina. That has led to a nationwide shortage ever since, as the plant made 60% of the nation's supply of the fluids.

The hospital says its procurement team is working to increase the supplies of IV fluids they receive from other vendors, after the United States approved use of the products from international suppliers.

Shipments have resumed, according to St. James Hospital, but at a lower rate than before. The pause is designed to insure that the hospital has an adequate reserve supply of IV fluids in order to prioritize urgent cases. All appointments will be reviewed daily by hospital staff to determine the urgency of surgery.

If you are currently scheduled for a procedure at St. James Hospital, staff there will contact you if your appointment is impacted by the decision. The pause applies to every University of Rochester Medical Center.

St. James says it will resume the full surgery schedule as soon as possible.