If you live in northeastern Kentucky, more health care options could be headed your way.

That's because University of Kentucky Health Care is acquiring St Clair Health Care in Moorhead.

Details in tonight's Look at Medical News.

UK and St Clair announced the merger today.

Here's what it will mean.

A new medical center enhanced clinical infrastructure, more patient access to primary and specialty care, and an expansion of health education programs.

It adds up to about $300 million of new investments in northeastern Kentucky's health system over the next five years.

During today's announcement, we heard from UCS president Eli CAPELOUTO and the President and CEO of St Clair, Donald Lloyd.

They talked about how the partnership will benefit health, education and create jobs.

Oftentimes in health systems, when things get difficult, education programs become less of a priority.

That will never be the case at the University of Kentucky, and I know it's St Clair, so I'd be remiss if I didn't mention also a partner, Morehead State University, our remarkable Rural Physician leadership program, graduated over 100 physicians, most of whom return to communities like Moorhead and surrounding ones.

That is our intent and it's going to be fantastic to expand the existing programs that we have there.

We do not anticipate any changes in staff management process at this time as we assimilate the two organizations.

If the experience of King's daughters, UK, King's daughters has taught us anything, is that there will be precipitous growth and there will be expansion of the workforce in the region.

St Clair employs 1300 workers representing more than 20 medical specialties.

The partnership with the UK has existed since 1960s.

St Clair Health care includes a hospital with 139 licensed beds and seven primary care locations in five counties.