UK St. Claire joins Golisano Children’s at UK Affiliate Network, increasing access to specialized pediatric care

MOREHEAD, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2026) — Children and families in Morehead and surrounding communities will now benefit from expanded access to specialized pediatric care through UK HealthCare, as UK St. Claire joins the Golisano Children’s at UK Affiliate Network, a statewide initiative focused on strengthening pediatric care across the Commonwealth.

UK St. Claire became part of UK HealthCare in 2024. As part of the affiliate network, pediatric providers will benefit from an enhanced relationship and continuity of care with specialists at Golisano Children’s at UK (formerly Kentucky Children’s Hospital). Since the 1960s, St. Claire has worked with UK on many successful academic and clinical programs to grow the health care workforce of northeastern Kentucky. UK and St. Claire co-developed the nationally recognized Rural Physician Leadership Program, in collaboration with Morehead State University.

“Our goal is to ensure that geography is never a barrier to high-quality pediatric care,” said Scottie B. Day, M.D., physician-in-chief at UK Golisano Children’s. “By working closely with St. Claire and local care teams in the region, we can support providers in their communities and help children and families access specialized expertise while remaining close to home.”

As part of the affiliate network, UK St. Claire gains access to a wide range of pediatric resources, including continuing education, clinical support and consultation opportunities with pediatric specialists in Lexington. The affiliation empowers providers to deliver top-tier care while reducing the need for families to travel long distances.

“Taking care of children is one of our most important responsibilities,” said Don Lloyd, president and CEO of UK St. Claire. “We are grateful for this affiliation through UK HealthCare, which helps us support families by keeping pediatric care local and builds on the trusted care we already provide in our community.”

Affiliate Network benefits include:

• Pediatric-specific training and continuing education
• On-demand clinical consultations with specialists at UK Golisano’s
• Guidance on pediatric protocols and best practices
• Peer learning and shadowing opportunities
• Participation in statewide pediatric conferences
• Support for pediatric transfer decisions and quality reviews

“We’re excited to welcome St. Claire to our affiliate network and celebrate our shared commitment to the health of Kentucky’s kids,” said Christina Briggs, director of the UK Golisano Children’s affiliate network. “Through this collaboration, their dedicated physicians and providers will gain access to ongoing education and training, helping them stay current with the latest pediatric protocols and best practices. By investing in continuous learning and close clinical collaboration, we’re strengthening pediatric care in Eastern Kentucky and helping children and families receive high-quality care close to home.”

Today’s announcement continues UK St. Claire’s commitment to expanding access to care across Eastern Kentucky. After six decades of working together, UK St. Claire officially became part of UK HealthCare in July 2024. Since then, the health system has grown its provider workforce and expanded specialty services to better meet community needs.