Infusion fluids, commonly referred to as drips, are used in healthcare to provide fluids and nutrients directly into a patient's bloodstream.
But it's essential to become more restrictive immediately, says Arthurson.
Redistribution between regions
The regions work according to an agreement to have approximately a month's supply of drips in stock. However, the availability across the country looks very different.
Some regions have stock for a month - others for significantly shorter periods, says Veronica Arthurson.
The uneven availability means that there may be a need to quickly redistribute products between regions, she continues.
The reason for the risk of a shortage of drips is that the largest manufacturer, Baxter, has been forced to close a factory after Hurricane Helene hit southeastern USA at the end of September. The company has also had to make reprioritizations after the floods in Spain.
Prioritization of care
According to the situation report, it is primarily the availability of drips in November that may be affected.
If there is a critical shortage and products are lacking nationally, we must prioritize which type of care should be pushed forward, it's about less acute surgery first.
The products are delayed and delivery is expected at the end of November or early December, according to the Medical Products Agency.
