OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The far-reaching effects of Hurricane Helene are hurting hospitals in Washington state.

The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) says hospitals are having to conserve IV fluid solution due to the storm’s effect on a major manufacturer.

The association says that the Baxter facility in North Carolina supplies about 60%—or 1.5 million bags—of the IV solutions used every day in the U.S.

“Unfortunately, the current supply chain disruption means that some procedures that are not as time sensitive may be delayed. Although delays are disruptive, hospitals are continuing to provide critical services,” WSHA President and CEO Cassie Sauer said. “However, the longer procedures are delayed, the sicker patients can get. It is not an acceptable long-term solution.”

Peace Health spokesperson Anne Williams tells My Bellingham Now that PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham has not been experienced any such shortages and has not limited operations.

“We are committed to delivering safe, high-quality care for the patients we serve. To date, we have not experienced shortages of supplies in any of our facilities. We are closely monitoring the situation and establishing proactive mitigation plans and processes to ensure we continue to meet the unique needs of patients in all of our communities,” PeaceHealth spokesperson Anne Williams told MyBellinghamNow, assuring that PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center has not experienced a limit to their operations.

WSHA and the Northwest Healthcare Response Network are asking state and federal agencies to give notice of the status of hospitals in the state and urge help to secure additional supplies.  

The length of time and full impact of the supply chain disruption for the rest of the state is not known at this time.