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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Bageshri Savyasachi

ACT 'conserving' IV fluid to maintain stock during national shortage

While other state departments put out safety alerts amid a national shortage of intravenous fluid the ACT has "several" weeks of stock left, health officials said.

IV fluids, which contain saline and other additives, are used in medical care to prevent dehydration and maintain blood volume.

An ACT Health spokeswoman recent manufacturing issues had led to increasing international demand and shipping challenges with overseas suppliers.

However, she said the territory was still receiving stock from its regular supplier.

Australian Medical Association federal president Steve Robson had raised concerns in July about surgeries among other health system activities coming to a "grinding halt" if the shortage was not addressed.

The ACT Health spokeswoman said hospitals, health facilities and emergency services in Canberra were working together to keep up an "equitable" supply of intravenous fluids.

The cardiac services wing in Canberra Hospital's new critical services building. Picture by Karleen Minney

"Stock levels are monitored daily by all health services and the ACT Ambulance Service. The ACT is maintaining its stock levels by conserving fluids through efficient delivery of care," she said.

She said methods included concentrating medicines in smaller fluid amounts where it was safe to do so or making sure patients were trying oral fluids before considering IV fluids.

The spokeswoman also said there was no disruption in procedures like elective surgeries.

"There is currently no interruption to clinical services ... [hospitals and emergency services] have several weeks supply of most IV fluids available," she said.

An IV fluid bag pictured in a hospital corridor. Picture Shutterstock

ACT Health said departments across the country were working through options to reduce the demand for IV fluids including sharing information to maintain supply in areas where they are most needed.

"Clinical alerts have been released by several jurisdictions to assist clinicians in reducing the need for IV fluids while still ensuring best practice patient care," the spokeswoman said.

NSW Health's clinical recommendations released online on Tuesday included conservation strategies like limiting IV fluids administered to day surgery patients wherever possible and following 'Sip Til Send' where elective surgical patients were given clear oral fluids up to two hours before surgery.

Canberra Health Services also developed a best practice guideline for the use of intravenous fluids and has shared it health services in the ACT region.

"This was developed to ensure clinical care is based on appropriate high-value care for each individual patient while practicing conservation methods," the ACT health spokesperson said.

She said the ACT did not need to help other states and territories with IV fluid supply.

She added if the need for redistribution arises, chief medical officers across Australia had "agreed to share information to establish a national approach to supply chains".

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