Services - Problem Gambling

NZ Ministry of Health Web Page
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Problem Gambling in New Zealand
Services

Overview
The Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm: Strategic Plan 2004-2010 (Ministry of Health 2004) outlines seven key objectives which set the parameters for services purchased and described within the Ministry’s Service Specifications.

The Strategic Plan Document 2004 – 2010

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Principles for Contracting Provider Services
Based on this strategic context for problem gambling and Ministry priorities, the Ministry contracts for services to be delivered in a manner that:

ensures the provision of service coverage nationwide
supports the delivery of a comprehensive range of public health services based on the Ottawa Charter and recognized New Zealand models of Health i.e. Whare Tapa Wha, Te Pae Mahutonga, Te Wheke
targets priority populations
strengthens communities
reduces health inequalities
improves Māori health gain
applies an inter-sectoral approach that addresses the broader social determinants of health
ensures links between public health and intervention / addiction services

Service Types
The Ministry contracts a range of problem gambling services:-

Problem gambling intervention services
Problem gambling public health services

These services are contracted through a range of generic and population specific providers i.e. Māori, Pacific, Asian.

Service Specifications Background and General Information
Underpinned by the objectives of the strategic plan, the principles described above, and the strategic outcomes framework, the Ministry’s model to prevent and minimise gambling harm comprises seven key components that provide a continuum of harm prevention activities. These components are:

Population Health Approaches – local, regional and national
National Co-ordination services
National Helpline services
Screening in primary care and social service settings
Psychosocial interventions – both secondary and tertiary
Facilitation services (eg: budgeting advice, alcohol and other drug services, Work and Income New Zealand services, housing services)
Follow-up services and motivational support

The Ministry has contracts with providers to deliver all or some of the above service delivery components and will, wherever practical, seek to ensure a comprehensive range and mix of services within each region.

Related information
Service Specification Document
Intervention Service Practice Requirement Handbook