Morehead, KY (Jan. 8, 2026) – UK St. Claire, part of the UK HealthCare family for 18 months, is enhancing healthcare access in eastern Kentucky. After over 60 years of collaboration, this integration is making a real difference for local families.
In the past three years, UK St. Claire has grown significantly. They’ve brought in 43 new physicians and added nine specialty services, such as endocrinology and orthopaedic spine surgery. This expansion means more high-demand healthcare options for residents across eight counties.
Eric N. Monday, a high-ranking official at the University of Kentucky, emphasized the importance of this merger. He believes that by working together, UK St. Claire can better serve the health needs of Kentucky.
Donald H. Lloyd II, the president and CEO of UK St. Claire, spoke about the positive impacts he sees daily. He noted that being part of UK HealthCare means more available services and healthcare professionals right in the neighborhood, making care more accessible.
The partnership also focuses on workforce development. UK St. Claire collaborates with the University of Kentucky’s health colleges to enhance clinical education and help students train for jobs in growing healthcare fields.
In 2023, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education’s Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund provided about $1.53 million for various programs, including nursing and physician assistant training. A notable $300,000 grant supports Doctor of Physical Therapy students committed to working locally after graduation, fostering care where it’s needed most.
UK St. Claire’s Rural Family Medicine Residency is making waves too. It has been listed among 31 programs nationwide for its success in training doctors who choose to practice in their communities. This highlights a critical effort to keep healthcare local.
Looking ahead, a key improvement is set for summer 2026: the introduction of MyChart. This tool will enhance patient access to health information and streamline communication with care teams.
In summary, UK St. Claire is not just growing; it’s redefining healthcare for its community, showing that collaboration can truly make a difference.
