Providence Seaside Hospital will close its retail pharmacy on April 25.

The announcement came after seven years at the location.

“The decision to close did not come lightly and we have greatly appreciated serving the retail pharmacy needs of the community over the years,” hospital spokesperson Mike Antrim said. “Given ongoing and increasing regulatory requirements, and balancing the needs of the hospital and clinics, we feel this is the right decision.”

Providence Seaside was the only hospital still operating its own retail pharmacy, he said. Several other Providence Oregon hospitals have pharmacies on their campuses, but they are owned and operated by Credena Health, a division of Providence.

The hospital’s core focus is to provide inpatient and outpatient services for the community, Antrim said. The retail pharmacy function can best be served by existing pharmacies in the community.

The capital investment, coupled with the low volume of prescriptions and local alternatives offered at other retail pharmacies, does not support the need to keep this service on the campus.

The former pharmacy space is being assessed for future use.

The pharmacy is partnering with Rite Aid to accept prescription files or fill prescription needs for current pharmacy owners. The last date the retail pharmacy will be filling prescriptions is Monday, April 25. After April 25, all prescriptions will be transferred to Rite Aid.

Despite the closing at the hospital pharmacy, no jobs will be lost, Antrim said. “Zero. We are working to find positions within our ministry to retain affected caregivers.”