Derry contributors to feature on new RTE Radio 1 series 'Our Lives in the North'

In Our Lives in the North, journalist Una Kelly looks behind the flags and the politics of Northern Ireland, to explore real life north of the border.

Is the NHS still as great as people think? Are houses cheaper? Is the Cost of Living as high? Do paramilitaries still have influence?

The series begins with that look at the NHS - born out of idealism - and paints a picture of two different places, but not always in ways we might expect.

The new six-part series will air on RTÉ Radio 1 every Wednesday for six weeks from September 4 at 6:30pm.

The episodes will also be available as part of RTÉ Podcasts and will be available on the RTÉ radio app (or wherever you get your podcasts). A new episode will be published every Wednesday for six weeks from September 4.

Our Lives in the North is presented and produced by Una Kelly. Alistair McConnell is the Executive Producer.

The first episode in this new series examines the health system.

NHS waiting lists in the north are the worst in the UK, with patients waiting for more than half a million hospital appointments. Compared to the south - waiting lists in the north are at least twice as long.

The NHS - a health service free for all - is highly prized in terms of British identity. It's embedded in the psyche of the UK - and that makes it relevant to everyone on this island because healthcare could influence people in any future vote on Irish unity. People feel attached to the NHS - but does that service still exist?

Contributors in the first episode include Dr Gareth Hampton- Daisy Hill Emergency Department, Dr Grace Downey - a junior doctor on strike, Dr Karen Humphries - who left the NHS in the north to work as a consultant in the HSE, Deirdre Heenan - professor of social policy at Ulster University, Claire Scott- pancreatic cancer survivor and Dr Tom Black - a GP in Derry.

Journalist Una Kelly said: "I'm really grateful to the people who shared their personal stories with me for this series, especially when they found themselves in difficult circumstances. It's always a privilege to be granted that time and trust. I met a range of remarkable youth workers, teaching staff, health workers and others who work hard every day for their communities."

The remaining episodes in the series will focus on education, housing, paramilitaries, ethnic minorities and the cost of living.