HSV, government and clinicians mitigate product shortage impacts on health services

Recent shortages of IV contrast fluid used in radiological and interventional procedures and products used in cardiac surgery have highlighted how HSV works with Victoria’s public health services to mitigate impacts on supply.

Disruptions in manufacturing due to COVID-19 restrictions overseas and raw material shortages have led to shortages of IV contrast fluid and L Vent heart catheters.

“With temporary shortages like these our goal is to work with health services to assess and manage stock levels so they can continue providing the best patient care without disruption,” says HSV Director Supply Chain Surety Kate Warren.

“We also work closely with clinical advisory groups to identify alternative products or medication options where first-line products are not available,” says Kate.

The increased volatility in the health supply chain highlights HSV’s focus on putting in place effective contingency arrangements to provide an alternative supply pathway.

In response to the recent shortages of IV contrast fluid and heart catheters HSV, together with the Department of Health and our leading clinicians:

• convened incident management teams
• escalated within the Department of Health to rapidly establish clinical advisory groups
• developed supply chain recommendations to the clinical advisory groups for decision
• collaborated with suppliers, sharing information to assist suppliers to know where to direct limited supplies to and to expedite stock into Australia
• assessed weekly stock level data provided by health services
• collaborated with NSW and Queensland on approach and mitigation actions.

Clinicians play an essential role in determining how we respond to matters through immediate actions and then pragmatic ongoing options until we can resume normal services. Our health service clinicians have managed the IV contrast fluid shortfall using conservation measures and alternative imaging modalities where appropriate. Health services now hold good levels of stock which HSV will continue to monitor until there is increased confidence in the forward supply plan.

While HSV was able to rapidly resolve the issue of supply of L Vent heart catheters through our developing network of key contacts, we continue to work with the supplier to increase supply chain visibility across their portfolio of medical devices and consumables.

Health services should contact the HSV Helpdesk at helpdesk@healthsharevic.org.au with any questions or concerns about these items.