VALENTINE, Neb. – Cherry County Hospital is canceling all elective surgeries due to a nationwide IV fluid shortage, following the destruction of Baxter International’s manufacturing plant by Hurricane Helene. Baxter is a leading supplier of IV fluids to hospitals across the country.

“We are trying to be proactive and make sure we have enough IV fluids for critical patients,” said Cherry County Hospital Marketing Coordinator Melissa Williams. “Those in emergency situations, as well as dialysis, obstetrics, and oncology patients, will still receive IVs.”

Williams is not sure when elective surgeries will resume.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it’s working with Baxter and Health and Human Services (HHS) to confirm how much product has been recently distributed or may be available at wholesalers, and provide any resources and assistance.

"This could include reviewing potential temporary imports or expediting reviews of the cleaned and restored manufacturing lines," the FDA said in a statement.