The University of Kentucky’s Board of Trustees have approved a deal that would see the school acquire St. Claire Healthcare in Morehead.
The acquisition would expand UK Healthcare’s footprint in the Commonwealth’s northeast region.
The process began in 2023 after St. Claire put out a request for potential buyers.
Eric Monday is UK’s co-executive vice president for health affairs. He spoke about some of the benefits the acquisition might have.
“This may allow us to expand how we transfer patients back,” Monday said. “It’s 66 miles away, so how do we take advantage of transfer opportunities? How do we enhance some of their clinical services so patients can stay there? I think the direct, immediate impact is additional educational programs.”
St. Claire CEO Donald Lloyd says he expects no changes in staff or management as the deal moves forward, and that he expects to retain and grow their workforce numbers. The hospital system currently employs more than 1,300 workers.
“If the experience of UK King's Daughters (in Ashland) has taught us anything, it's that there will be precipitous growth and there will be expansion of the workforce in the region,” Lloyd said.
The two groups expect to close the deal by July 1.
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