Tropical Storm Rafael, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico, could disrupt the supply chain for IV solutions, according to a Nov. 5 news release from nonprofit Healthcare Ready. 

As advancements in medical technology become more integrated into patient care, the regulation of these devices has come under increasing scrutiny, The New York Times reported Nov. 1. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare supply chain issues were complex and plentiful, creating an unprecedented mess for hospitals struggling to care for an increased load of patients. 

Montgomery, Ala.-based Jackson Hospital has named Medline as its primary supplier for environmental services products. The partnership builds on their existing relationship, as Medline has been Jackson Hospital's medical surgical prime vendor for over nine years.

A new study revealed that reports of drug-related supply chain issues are 40% less likely to result in shortages in Canada than in the U.S. 

Baxter restarted its highest-throughput IV solutions manufacturing line, which accounts for approximately 25% of the site's total production and approximately 50% of 1-liter IV solutions, the most commonly used size by hospitals and clinics, according to an Oct. 31 news release from the company. 

Exactech, a Gainesville, Fla.-based medical device maker, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Oct. 29 and has entered a restructuring agreement to sell its assets to a group of existing investors. 

Angola, Ind.-based Cameron Memorial Community Hospital recently joined the Vanderbilt Health Purchasing Collaborative, according to an Oct. 30 LinkedIn post from the program. 

Hacking remains cause nearly 80% data breaches in healthcare, according to a new report from Forescout Technologies, a cybersecurity company.

Baxter has received FDA approval to extend the shelf life of more than 50 intravenous and irrigation products by up to 12 months, now allowing for a 24-month expiry from products made before September 2024, according to an Oct. 28 news release from the company. 

Medical technology company Olympus has dismissed CEO Stefan Kaufmann in the wake of an allegation that he bought illegal drugs. 

The FDA recently announced critical recalls on several widely used medical devices, including Life2000 ventilators, Medtronic's MiniMed insulin pumps and Boston Scientific's Obsidio conformable embolic device. 

Three months after Jeff Shuren, MD, announced his retirement as the FDA's director of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, the agency tapped Michelle Tarver, MD, PhD, to fill the role. 

Denver Health is discontinuing its centralized nitrous oxide tank and delivery system to cut costs and reduce carbon emissions, CBS News reported Oct. 21. 

Cleveland Clinic has embarked on a new initiative aimed at helping other health systems free up resources for better care by adopting the best procurement and benchmarking practices from other industries to reduce indirect costs.

Baxter International is responding to critical IV supply shortages affecting patients after Hurricane Helene disrupted its North Cove manufacturing facility, which produces 60% of the U.S. IV fluid market's supply. 

Hurricane Helene has put IV shortages in the spotlight after damaging a manufacturing plant, but hospitals have been dealing with IV fluid shortages for years, NBC News reported Oct. 18.

Amid the IV fluid shortage caused by the temporary closure of Baxter's North Cove, N.C., plant due to Hurricane Helene, ECRI has issued guidance to healthcare providers regarding practices to avoid and adopt. 

Two North Carolina health systems are offering proposals to secure a 3D body scanner that would cost millions, The Charlotte Observer reported Oct. 15.

Medline is partnering with Microsoft on a tool aimed at improving supply chain operations.