TOLEDO, Ohio — University of Toledo Health is suspending elective surgeries, citing a significant disruption in the nationwide availability of sterile IV fluids due to the effects of Hurricane Helene.
UToledo Health said it will be suspending elective surgical procedures through Friday, Oct. 11, "so we can devote our resources to the most critically ill patients." The university said it's an effort to conserve its supply of critical IV fluids and ensure it has the supplies needed for emergency and life-saving care.
UToledo Health said patients will be notified directly to reschedule their procedure if it needs to be postponed.
Sterile IV fluids are used to deliver medications, hydration and nutrients to patients, UToledo Health said.
"Whenever possible, UToledo Health also will deliver medications orally rather than intravenously, shift to oral hydration and limit the use of continuous IV fluids in less critical patients," the university said. "UToledo Health will continue to closely monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary to ensure we can continue providing high-quality care to our patients."