Patients in Orange County will soon have more access to specialty care because St. Luke's Cornwall is merging with Montefiore.

During the partnership announcement yesterday, hospital officials said the deal should enhance the financial stability of Saint Luke's, which has facilities in both Newburgh and Cornwall.

Montefiore will be considered Saint Luke's parent organization. "We really worked very closely, hand and hand, to identify the partner that we wanted, that wanted us and that shares our vision and mission for the future of health care. We couldn't be happier," says St. Luke's Board Member Michelle Rider.

The deal has been approved by both organization's boards of trustees, but is still pending regulatory approval.