Morehead, Ky.-based St. Claire HealthCare has officially joined Lexington-based UK HealthCare, part of the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
The two parties shared plans for the acquisition after an April 26 approval from the university's board of trustees.
Prior to joining UK HealthCare, St. Claire kicked off an extensive request for information process in 2023 and contacted 12 national and regional organizations as potential partners, according to a UK HealthCare July 1 news release.
UK and St. Claire have partnered on several academic and clinical programs to increase the healthcare workforce since the 1960s, including the Rural Physician Leadership program in collaboration with Morehead (Ky.) State University.
Along with housing the Lexington-based UK College of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program, St. Claire is also home to the UK Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Lexington.
Under the new partnership, St. Claire President and CEO Donald Lloyd II will remain in his position, the release said.
"Today is the culmination of many years of work, searching for the best solution to serve our community with the highest level of care and access to care for many decades to come," Mr. Lloyd said in the release. "Through this partnership, our neighbors will enjoy top-quality medical care in their own backyard."
St. Claire HealthCare comprises a 139-bed hospital, seven primary care locations, a multispecialty medical pavilion, a pediatrics clinic, two urgent care centers, an outpatient center, a retail pharmacy, a medical equipment and supply store, and a counseling center.
It also has more than 1,300 employees, including more than 50 physicians and almost 50 advanced practice professionals who represent over 20 specialties.
UK HealthCare has more than 10,000 employees across its hospitals and clinics, the release said.