Relationships are being underscored as key to the success of our health system

The DHB model was replaced by the centralised Te Whatu Ora around 18 months ago.

Under the previous model, groups of DHBs worked together regionally -- and Otago University researchers found relationships between staff is what made them tick.

Lead Author Erin Penno says that's a lesson as we continue to bed in our new system.

She says it's got to cut across executive levels and clinical levels between different groups -- and a successful health system will be relational.