One System

Across the world, organisations and public systems are understrain - facing rising demand, constrained resources and reforms that seldomdeliver lasting improvement.One System tells the inside story of a rareexception. Over more than a decade, Canterbury radically reimagined how itshealth system could work. The aim was simple: to act as one system, organised aroundpeople rather than institutions. This new way of working was tested under the most difficultconditions: the Canterbury earthquakes, the Christchurch mosque attacks and theCOVID-19 pandemic. Written by two of those who led the work, One System offersa candid and practical account of enabling transformation in real conditions, underconstant pressure and without the illusion of a perfect master plan. Grounded in health care but relevant far beyond it, One System isfor leaders, clinicians, governors, policymakers and anyone grappling withchange in a complex system.