SYRACUSE - Goshen Health System will sell four Park Pharmacies to CVS Pharmacies.

In turn, CVS will close the Park Pharmacies in Goshen, Syracuse, Middlebury and Nappanee. The information in a letter from Goshen Health System President and CEO James O. Dague to Goshen General Hospital volunteers regarding the closings was provided by the Syracuse Town Council Tuesday.

The letter states that "this sale will result in the closing of the Goshen and Middlebury pharmacies on Dec. 2, 2003. Their prescription files will be transferred to CVS on Dec. 3, 2003. The Nappanee and Syracuse pharmacies will close on Dec. 3, 2003. Their prescription files will be transferred to CVS on Dec. 4, 2003."

The sale does not affect Park Home Medical Equipment or the Park Boutique at The Retreat. These facilities will remain fully operational in their current locations.

According to the letter, the sale of the pharmacies was agreed to based on economic reasons.

"The retail pharmacy industry has experienced rapid changes over the last few years. New technology, Internet sales and competition from national chains have impacted our customer base and created an uncertain economic future.

"In light of the uncertain future in the retail pharmacy industry, we simply could not refuse such a good offer. This sale allows GHS to increase resources for health care services, such as cutting-edge technology and life-saving equipment. It will also assist us in creating and sustaining physician practices and prevention and early detection programs in Goshen, Nappanee, Middlebury, Syracuse and other outlying areas."

Carol Ebersole, GHS vice president of corporate development, said GHS bought Park Pharmacy in Goshen and Syracuse in 1996 from Dick Snyder. Park Pharmacy was then expanded into Middlebury and Nappanee in 1998.

Syracuse Park Pharmacy was remodeled about 18 months ago. GHS owns the buildings in Goshen and Syracuse. The Syracuse building, Ebersole said, will be listed to be sold. The Park Pharmacy buildings in Nappanee and Middlebury are leased and Ebersole said those leases will be bought out.

Dague's letter indicates a hiring freeze at the pharmacies has been in place, so employees at Park Pharmacy would have the best possible chance of finding new jobs within Goshen Health System. Other employees may find jobs at CVS. Those employees who don't obtain another position in GHS or CVS will be provided with a "separation package" that includes extended health care benefits to assist them.

"We realize," said Ebersole, "there won't be a position for everyone."

Ebersole said the four pharmacies have a combined 100 employees. CVS will interview 100 percent of them and try to place as many as possible.

CVS plans to expand their coverage, according to the letter, including 24- hour/seven-day-a-week service at the Goshen location. CVS is updating its technology to provide better customer service and has assured GHS they will continue to offer customers charge accounts and specialized services for organizations such as hospice.

Ebersole said, "For those people who may not be comfortable with using CVS, they can go to the pharmacy of their choice and ask that their files be transferred." There will be no interruption of prescription services, she said.

Ebersole said GHS "has a very strong commitment to the Syracuse and Nappanee areas and has had that commitment for many years. We will continue to have a strong presence in both communities." [[In-content Ad]]