Zhang Hong (left) and Chen Aimei look at the CT image of a patient. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Two medical personnel from Qingdao West Coast New Area, who participated in the fight against SARS 17 years ago, have volunteered to treat patients in the city afflicted with the novel coronavirus, according to local officials.

One of them is Zhang Hong, director of department of pulmonary disease and department of infectious disease at the Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital of Huangdao district (West Coast New Area) in the port city of Qingdao in eastern Shandong province.

She has rich experience in the prevention, control and treatment of infectious diseases and respiratory diseases.

Meanwhile Chen Aimei, head nurse of the hospital's internal medicine department, has engaged in clinical nursing work for 29 years.

When the SARS epidemic struck China 17 years ago, Zhang, then 33, and Chen, 32, volunteered to fight the disease.

"At that time, Zhang was a member of the district SARS prevention and treatment expert group and director of fever clinic while I was the head nurse of fever clinic," said Chen.

She added that they were also fighting at the forefront during previous outbreaks, such as the H1N1 influenza virus in 2009.

"I once joked with Zhang that we survived combating the SARS epidemic, so let's fight again against the novel coronavirus," Chen said.

"I'm a doctor and this is the time to step up and shoulder the responsibility," said Zhang, a member of the Communist Party of China.

She said a member of the CPC should be in the vanguard when difficulties emerge.

"I have seen her struggle against SARS and know her personality too well to be surprised by her choice," according to Zhang's husband, Yang Yongzhong.