LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approved plans to move ahead with the acquisition of St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead, expanding its footprint in the eastern part of the state.

The acquisition will expand clinical and academic programs for St. Claire and UK, as well as increase access to high-quality care for more Kentuckians. The two institutions are eyeing a targeted closing date of July 1.

St. Claire HealthCare is one of the largest employers in the greater Morehead region, with over 1,300 employees, including over 50 physicians and nearly 50 advanced practice professionals representing more than 20 medical specialties.

“UK is committed to growing clinical services in the Morehead area as well as expanding programs in many clinical areas to grow the future health care workforce for Kentucky,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “I would like to thank the St. Claire HealthCare Board, the Sisters of Notre Dame and all of the other constituents of this important hospital for selecting UK as the future home for St. Claire HealthCare.” 

In a news release, the two institutions said St. Claire has partnered with UK since the 1960s on many successful academic and clinical programs to grow the health care workforce of eastern Kentucky. Those include the nationally recognized Rural Physician Leadership Program, co-developed by UK and St. Claire and in partnership with Morehead State University. St. Claire is home to the UK College of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program, as well as the training and residency site for UK’s Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

“As the board went through the process to select a partner for St. Claire HealthCare, UK was identified as the natural partner that could carry forward the previous work and ongoing investment while growing the healthcare workforce,” said St. Claire President and CEO Donald H. Lloyd II, who will remain in his position following the purchase. “In an ever-changing health care landscape, both St. Claire and UK are deeply committed to accessible and high-quality patient care and strategic collaborations that will enhance services to benefit Kentuckians throughout northeastern Kentucky for many decades to come.”

The two institutions said they anticipate patients will receive care from the same trusted providers, with access to more services and specialty providers through the UK academic health system.

“We are committed to making this a mutually beneficial partnership that will benefit the community and region through transformative investments in clinical services, medical education and state-of-the-art facilities,” said Eric N. Monday, UK co-executive vice president for health affairs.

St. Claire HealthCare includes a hospital with 139 licensed beds and seven primary care locations in five counties, a multi-specialty medical pavilion, two urgent care centers, a pediatrics clinic, a pharmacy, counseling center, a medical equipment and supply store and an outpatient center. St. Claire also provides home health and hospice services in eight counties.

“This is a win for the people in our community and the region and a transformative investment in clinical services, for medical education and state-of-the-art facilities, and investment in the local economy,” Lloyd said. “UK is closely aligned with our mission to grow medical services rather than consolidate them, integrating our clinical expertise with their resources and commitment to our region.”

The two institutions said the merger lays the groundwork for other opportunities for future partnerships.