BRIGHT, light and airy, a spacious foyer and trendy deli greets patients at this unique hospital.

A pioneering 'one stop shop' promises to halve orthopaedic waiting times to just 13 weeks and discharge patients in record time.

The World was given an exclusive preview of this £30m NHS investment, built by Interhealth Care Services, a private Canadian company, beside Halton Hospital in Runcorn.

"We have head hunted eight surgeons known personally to us," said lead orthopaedic surgeon and chief medical officer, Markus Froehling.

"Many of the anaesthetists we have recruited have worked in helicopters. They are very well prepared for every situation we might face."

World class surgeons recruited include three specialists in knee and hip joint replacement, one lady specialising in hand and foot surgery, one specialist in knee ligaments and three general surgeons.

"We will have a lot of day cases," explained Mr Froehling, as the centre aims to treat 5,000 patients from Cheshire and Merseyside every year and vows to be MRSA free.

"Joint replacement is one of the greatest achievements in modern medicine and one of the most rewarding.

"Patients are in extreme pain when they come in and pain-free after rehabilitation."

Modern civilisation and a sedentary lifestyle, he said, has led to a big demand for surgery on bones and joints.

"People sit in their cars and offices and don't move," said Mr Froehling. "We expect a huge increase in orthopaedic patients."

Full diagnostic services, including MRI, x-ray, CT, Doppler and ultrasound, all in one purpose built department, means appointments will be condensed.

Operations are unlikely to be cancelled as no emergencies will be admitted.

There are 44 beds, each equipped with a personal free flatscreen TV and telephone, providing free local calls.

No spine or shoulder surgery will be carried out and only adults will be treated.