MRI wait lists in British Columbia are approaching one year - and expensive private clinics may be the only alternative.

Victoria resident Vicki Clark is reeling from an old sports injury. Doctors say she needs an MRI scan to diagnose the problem, but Clark was shocked when she learned how long she would have to wait.

"I have an appointment for 7 a.m. in Victoria, March 20, 2010," Clark said.

Mike Conroy, of the Vancouver Island Health Authority, had a similar reaction.

"I was a little surprised by that," Conroy said.

In 2008, the province gave the health authorities $120 million in one-time funding to clear up MRI wait lists - and it worked. But now the money is drained up, and wait lists have shot up dramatically.

Clark also called a private clinic. She was told she could receive the same scan within a week - but for a cost of more than $1,200.

"I'm not adverse to private treatment, but at the same time I think our health system should be revamped," Clark said.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Jim Beatty