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Available for over a year

"Everything is waiting six to eighteen months - I can't wait that long." That's what one listener texted us at Good Morning Ulster during the week when we featured the growing NHS waiting lists. The move towards some patients having to seek treatment from the private and independent sector... Something which can come at a steep cost. This morning John tells us his story of having to pay out, in an urgent attempt to diagnose his illness and to try to get help. There has been a significant rise in the number of referrals to the private and independent health sectors in Northern Ireland as waiting lists continue to grow. Last month, more than 378,000 people were waiting to see a consultant for the first time. We'll speak to two former members of Stormont's health committee in a moment about that growing trend. John lives in Belfast and has been suffering from severe shortness of breath which is affecting his quality of life and his ability to earn a living. And he has had to spend thousands of pounds - in an effort just to find out what's wrong with him. He spoke to us on the programme.