Left Hand, Right Hand: Why We Need Systems, Not Silos in Ontario Health Care

 

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care "does not have an administrative, supervisory or adjudicative role with respect to the implementation," said a spokesperson, who was unable to answer questions about who has oversight.

 

This kind of thing happens all the time in government, at all levels.  I've seen municipal agencies uncertain who is responsible for who is responsible for keep city property clean, meaning it doesn't get done.  And that's just for starters.  How can there be so much duplication, gaps and overlaps and so little clarity over who is responsible for what?  Isn't this government?

 

There are myriad reasons as to why - the only way any of them can be addressed is by changing the corporate culture and opening up the silos of service delivery and data.  This will, invariably, lead to a lot of egg on a lot of faces - which is one of the main excuses as to why change isn't happening.

 

We need to get past finger-pointing and partisan gamesmanship on massive structural issues like this; it's wasted energy that impedes solution-finding.  What we need is broad recognition that the system has to change and it will be an uncomfortable process - but one we all need to get behind if it's to work.

 

Systems, not silos. 

Solutions, not blame. 

Leadership, not bosses.

 

It's the only way forward.