Doctors Hospital hosted a VIP reception Tuesday evening celebrating the opening of its Manteca imaging center.

The state-of-the-art facility is located at 1136 Norman Drive on the campus of the soon-to-be completed Central Valley Cancer Center.

“We’ve been talking about this for years,” chimed chief operating officer of the hospital Carmen Silva.  “Our approval for the facility came through Tenet Corporation in 2010 – it’s exciting it’s finally here.”

Jana Williams of Stockton is the manager of the new facility. She had applied for another open position at the hospital and was literally discovered by Silva who asked her if she would be interested in running the imaging center as she met the criteria Silva wanted.   She has her master’s degree in health care administration and had a variety of experience.

Silva noted that the cost of the imaging equipment in the center is over $6 million. It will have a staff of 12 for its operation from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily boasting an MRI and PET and CT scanners.

The hospital meets the requirements of California’s Joint Commission and of Title 22 for acute care, Silva added. The Phillips Time of Flight PET and CT scan equipment is an upgrade and the first of its level in technology in the entire country, she added.

“Patients’ lab tests can also be done here,” she said.  “They can also come in here and pre-register for a hospital procedure.”

Silva lauded Desiree Kling from Manteca Lighting for providing the extensive lighting throughout the new 6,000 square foot building.

In welcoming some 75 medical and professional members of the community, hospital CEO Mark Lisa noted that it was appropriate that this is Doctors’ 50th year in serving the community as well as it being National Hospital Week by opening “this fantastic new suite” of medical imaging services for the citizens of South San Joaquin County.

“It was just 18 months ago when we stood a few yards from here in a barren field and broke ground for what you see before you now,” he said.

Lisa said the imaging center construction was a team effort with participation from Tenet Healthcare, its outpatient services and its design and construction divisions.

“Many departments of the hospital including Imaging, Laboratory, Admitting, Plant Operations, Environmental Services, Business Development and Information Systems all played their part,” he said.

Lisa credited Silva for her many months of “blood, sweat and tears,” in heading up the project with her management duties.

Following Lisa’s remarks and comments by Mayor Willie Weatherford, the guests were taken on guided tours throughout the imaging facility by staff members with explanations offered by technicians.