ECRI issues guidance to address medical supply shortages caused by hurricanes, dockworkers’ strike

Editor's Note

Patient safety nonprofit ECRI is offering resources to help healthcare providers mitigate potential shortages of critical medical supplies following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene along the US southeast coast and the ongoing strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA).

According to an October 1 announcement, the first example is a report offering alternative supply options for essential IV products, including normal saline and dialysis solutions, in the wake of a hurricane-related shutdown of Baxter International Inc’s North Carolina manufacturing facility. ECRI’s analysis identifies “up to the top three alternatives from other manufacturers” for these products.   

Such resources are critical for emergency and disaster preparedness, as yet another storm is being monitored due to its predicted high-levels of destruction and disruption. According to the announcement, the organization continues to monitor strike-related disruptions and will be reaching out with “data-informed guidance” to clients and partners.