COOS BAY — Bay Area Hospital's new Women's Imaging Center is ready for business.

The facility offers the most sophisticated imaging technology available on the South Coast, said Doug Gauntz, director of imaging services/radiation oncology.

In February 2009, the hospital purchased South Coast Radiology for $1.785 million. The practice continued to operate in the current facility near the hospital on the other side of Thompson Road.

The hospital still has imaging equipment in use, though officials thought it would benefit women to have an imaging facility solely for their use.

The new department offers more privacy and faster service. It has a professional staff of five ultrasonographers and mammographers. Imaging equipment is digital and 3-D and 4-D ultrasound is available.

The Women's Imaging Center also received a facelift with modern aesthetics throughout, such as earth-tone decor and light hardwood flooring.

Hospital officials unveiled the center Thursday during a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by North Bend and Coos Bay city officials and representatives from the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.

Coos Bay Mayor Jeff McKeown said the Women's Imaging Center will be a "hub for health care" on the Southern Oregon Coast.