The Nightingale hospital in Manchester is ready to take its first patients after being built within 14 days

The Nightingale hospital in Manchester is ready to take its first patients after being built within 14 days.

NHS Nightingale Hospital North West is equipped to receive up to 750 coronavirus patients from across the region who do not need intensive care but still require treatment.

Construction started on Saturday March 28, with the entire main central hall of the former Manchester Central railway station, 10,000 square metres in total, designated as bed space.

It will be staffed by consultants, junior doctors, nurses, healthcare support workers, physiotherapists, pharmacists, occupational therapists, social workers, and a huge range of non-clinical support workers and administrators.

Bosses at Salford University where the workers have been trained, say there is adequate protection for all staff.

Michael McCourt, the chief executive of the temporary hospital in Manchester Central Convention Complex, wrote on Twitter: "Proud & thankful to be able to say we take our first patients today.

A spokesman for NHS England confirmed the hospital is ready to take patients but could not say when the first patients are likely to be admitted.The facility is one of seven Nightingale hospitals being built around the country.