With the first batch of medical staff in place, Leishenshan Hospital, the second makeshift hospital built to help contain the novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, is expected to receive patients on Saturday.

All preparation work in the hospital is proceeding in an orderly fashion, China Central Television reported.

Modeled on Beijing's Xiaotangshan Hospital, which treated severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) cases in 2003, the makeshift hospital will not provide outpatient services, only treating confirmed infected patients.

To enhance protection of its medical staff and prevent cross-infection, the hospital has invited Zhang Yanling, former president of Xiaotangshan, to offer training for its medical staff.

The hospital, the construction of which started on Jan 25, has 1,500 beds and covers a total area of 28 hectares.

Among its 32 zones for patients, two will be designated for those in critical condition and three for those with serious symptoms, the report said.