[1] Having opened its doors in December 2020 after a construction period of only 100 days,[1][2] it had become the city's main recipient of patients infected by the virus[3] and the Spanish hospital with most COVID-patients by January 2021.

[4] It is named after Isabel Zendal, a Spanish nurse notable for participating in the 1803–06 Balmis Expedition which brought smallpox vaccination to South America and Asia.

[7][8] Another notable feature is the centro logístico, a warehouse with a surface area of 8,000 square metres (86,000 sq ft) which will house the central repository of the Madrid Health Service.

[10] Mónica García of opposition party Más Madrid compared the building to Castellón–Costa Azahar Airport, an oft-cited example for wasteful spending.

[10][11] Local union representatives have criticized a general lack of qualified personnel, fearing that the new hospital may purge doctors and nurses from elsewhere.