About Us

St. Claire opened its doors on July 1, 1963, as a general acute care hospital with 41 beds, 9 nurses and 6 physicians representing 3 medical specialties (General Practice, Surgery and Internal Medicine).

Today, St. Claire is much more than just a hospital, it’s an integrated healthcare system known as St. Claire HealthCare.

St. Claire HealthCare is the largest employer in the region; with over 1,200 staff members, including a growing medical staff of more than 125 physicians and nearly 70 advanced practice professionals representing more than 30 medical specialties. It includes the largest rural hospital in Eastern Kentucky, seven primary care locations located within five counties, a multi-specialty medical pavilion, two urgent care centers, a pediatrics clinic, as well as, a retail pharmacy, counseling center, medical equipment and supply store, and an outpatient center. Additionally, SCH provides home health and hospice services in eight counties within its 11-county service region.

All St. Claire HealthCare services are accredited by the Joint Commission.

St. Claire HealthCare is a not-for-profit health system sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame - United States.

Mission and Philosophy

Our Mission

St. Claire HealthCare's mission is to proclaim God's goodness through a healing ministry to the people of Eastern Kentucky.

Our Vision

Dedicated to a Catholic Christian healing ministry, St. Claire HealthCare, in partnership with our healthcare providers, will be distinguished as a trusted health care organization and employer. We will be recognized for:

• Providing clinical and service excellence in a personalized manner;
• Building a leading integrated medical community that provides a seamless system of care and education; and
• Enhancing the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve by prompting physical, spiritual, social and emotional well-being.

Our Core Values

• DIGNITY - Because life is a sacred gift from God, we treat each person with courtesy and respect. Christian values influence our decisions and characterize our relationships.
• COMPASSION - Our ministry touches the core of life, therefore, we provide service with heartfelt care and concern for patients and for one another.
• EXCELLENCE - Because every facet of human life is valued, we provide quality service in a professional and sensitive manner with concern for the whole person. We take pride in our work as we use our talents and skills to improve our ministry.
• COMMITMENT - Because of our deep spiritual heritage, we are dedicated to improving the quality of health of communities, especially the poor and underserved. We use our resources responsibly and with integrity.
• COLLABORATION - We provide services, address problems, and develop programs with a spirit of cooperation and teamwork with each other, our physicians, the community, and others involved in health care.

Our Philosophy

The philosophy of St. Claire HealthCare, which flows from the conviction that God is the giver of life, is expressed through the hearts and hands of those who minister here.

Every facet of human life, from conception to natural death, is to be valued. Quality service and loving care are provided in support of life and death.

We believe that the needs of the whole person, physical, spiritual and psychosocial, are to be responded to according to professional standards and justice.

• Quality services are rendered in a professional, compassionate manner with respect for the dignity of all.
• Sensitivity and support for the total needs of the person are integral parts of the system of care.
• Support for the poor and disadvantaged is pursued in all aspects of the operation of the health system.

We believe that the task entrusted to us brings responsibilities to share and develop.

• Technological resources and knowledge are applied and shared to promote health.
• Opportunities for growth through education and research are promoted.
• Personal and technological resources are used in an efficient manner for the benefit of all.