LAPLACE — The question of “where?” remains, but Ochsner officials said an investment into a new medical complex in St. John the Baptist Parish is a certainty.

“Ochsner will be investing in a new medical complex as part of our ongoing commitment to the community,” Stephen Robinson Jr., CEO of Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner, said. “We will be announcing the new location over the next few months.”

Ochsner acquired River Parishes Hospital, now known as Ochsner Medical Complex-River Parishes, Nov. 1.

The sale was announced Sept. 9, and in November David Gaines, senior vice president of public affairs for Ochsner, said sites were being assessed for a possible future location for the facility and a decision would be announced within six months.

Those six months have come and gone without an announcement, but Robinson confirmed last week the medical center, which employs 86 people and has seven volunteers, would indeed be moving locations.

Ochsner Medical Complex-River Parishes offers outpatient services including emergency care, cardiology, laboratory services, OB/GYN, occupational medicine and primary care.

“Most recently, we expanded our imaging services to include MRI diagnostics and continue to evaluate the needs of the community,” Robinson said. “Ochsner Health System is proud to serve the residents of the River Parishes and surrounding communities. The integration of care with Ochsner Medical Center — Kenner has expanded the medical services available to the residents of the River Parishes.”

In light of news of a second urgent care facility opening in the parish, Robinson said Ochsner officials “have established strong relationships with urgent care providers throughout the region so that patients have continued access to critical care needs, such as emergency services, and through our multi-specialty teams.”

At the beginning of the year, Ochsner Health System expanded its Golden Opportunities program to the Kenner Region, which includes the River Parishes location.

“Golden Opportunities is a membership program that promotes active, healthy and independent lifestyle through group activities, program benefits and discounts for people over 50 years old,” Robinson said, adding the program is an expansion of the River Parish Hospital program and “connects these members to other members within the Kenner region.”