Gateway Regional Medical Center plans to close its outpatient pharmacy at the end of the month because it loses money, a spokeswoman said.

The Gateway Pharmacy faced stiff competition from other pharmacies in the area, said medical center spokeswoman Kate Allaria in a statement issued in response to a reporter's questions.

"We feel that we could better serve our community by utilizing our resource differently," Allaria said. "We know that our clients will certainly be well taken care of, as there are roughly 10 other local pharmacies who can service them."

Allaria declined to comment on the finances involved in the closing.

The pharmacy on the first floor of the Gateway Medical Office Building at 2044 Madison Ave. has long been a stop for medical center patients wanting to fill prescriptions, the homebound needing medicine delivered or a medical center employee wanting a bottle of water.

Michelle Monroe has used the pharmacy for the last three years.

"This was convenient to come here. I think it's absolutely crazy," said Monroe, 39, of Granite City. The pharmacy was convenient because it's in the same building as her doctor's office.

Daniel Rowane, 52, who is disabled and lives in Pontoon Beach, also would like the pharmacy to stay open. He likes the free delivery and uses it about once a month. When he has to come into the pharmacy, he goes by bus.

"I'm not too happy about it. I've been coming here for about 11 years. I'm sure going to miss it," Rowane said.

There are other pharmacies in Granite City that offer home delivery, a popular service at the pharmacy, Allaria said.

The pharmacy was originally Reese's Drug Store, and was Providence Pharmacy from 1992 to 2002. After that, the medical center owned it. It fills about 126 prescriptions a day.

After the pharmacy closes, patient records will be transferred to another pharmacy, Allaria said.

Contact reporter Jim Merkel at 618-344-0264, ext. 138