Surgery schedules around the country may be washed out for several more weeks while a crucial IV and sterile fluids factory remains closed after a hurricane-related shutdown

A national shortage of IV fluids has prompted some hospitals in the state to prioritize critically ill patients when using their supplies, the Indiana Hospital Association said Monday.

Surgery schedules around the country may be washed out for several more weeks while a crucial IV and sterile fluids factory remains shut down for hurricane-related damage. People often plan non-emergency surgeries in the fall and early-winter months when their insurance coverage will pick up more of the bill,