News

Albury Wodonga Health has successfully navigated the challenges of a global intravenous (IV) fluid shortage, that impacted hospitals around the world. 

In July 2024, the effects of global supply limitations, unexpected worldwide demand and manufacturing issues began to be felt locally. 

In response, Albury Wodonga Health established a dedicated committee to manage supplies entering the hospital and take a proactive approach in mitigating risks to patient care. The aim was to ensure uninterrupted patient care while strengthening internal processes and interdepartmental coordination. 

Acting Deputy Director of Pharmacy Joshua Anderson said strategies to reduce usage without compromising patient care were critical to the health service response. 

‘Intravenous fluids are essential for patient care,’ Mr Anderson explained. ‘They provide hydration, help to manage electrolyte imbalances, and administer medications. They also support surgical and emergency interventions. They are critical in settings such as intensive care, perioperative care, and emergency medicine,’ he said. 

‘At Albury Wodonga Health we use, on average, around 20 cartons of IV fluids per day. 

‘To ensure a whole-of-service response, the committee included members from the executive leadership, emergency department, pharmacy, procurement and stores, nursing, surgical/anaesthetics, infection control and prevention, and clinical safety and quality.’ 

The team identified a range of strategies: 

1. Clinical conservation measures: Transitioning to oral or subcutaneous medications where possible, minimising non-essential IV fluid use, and prioritising critical cases. 
2. Operational oversight: Improving stock visibility, ensuring appropriate ordering, and streamlining distribution processes. 
3. Surgical adjustments: Implementing the Sip-to-Send protocol to minimise unnecessary preoperative IV hydration. 
4. Pharmacy-led initiatives: Expanding pharmacy’s role in IV fluid stock management, allowing for better control and response to supply constraints. 

‘We successfully navigated the supply shortage without running out of stock,’ Mr Anderson said. 

‘The Sip-to-Send protocol has proven valuable and been permanently adopted. In addition, pharmacy teams now have enhanced stock control and shortage management skills which will be beneficial for future supply chain challenges. 

‘Most importantly, patient care was uninterrupted. 

‘This experience has allowed us to strengthen internal processes, improve inter-departmental co-ordination and highlight the importance of adaptive crisis management in healthcare,’ he said. 

Albury Wodonga Health remains committed to innovative solutions that enhance patient care and strengthen the resilience and sustainability of our health service.