Shannon Delays Elective Procedures Due to Nationwide IV Fluid Shortage

SAN ANGELO, TX - Hospitals across the United States, including Shannon Medical Center, are facing a nationwide shortage of IV fluids due to supply chain disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene.

The hurricane’s flooding led to the shutdown of the nation’s largest IV fluid manufacturer in North Carolina, which has resumed operations but is not yet at full capacity. As a result, many hospitals are not receiving their usual supply of IV fluids.

Shannon Medical Center officials announced they were recently informed by their supplier that scheduled shipments of IV fluids would not arrive for the next two weeks. To conserve their current stock, the hospital is delaying elective and nonessential procedures, prioritizing life-saving emergency care.

“We understand this is very inconvenient for our patients, many of whom have waited for their scheduled procedure,” Shannon Medical Center said in a statement. The hospital added that it is closely monitoring the situation and plans to resume elective procedures once an adequate supply is restored.