Addiction services during COVID-19: survey of experiences

Te Pou and Te Rau Ora hosted two virtual addiction sector hui in May 2020. During the hui leaders and workers from a range of services described what they did and how they adapted during COVID-19 “lockdown” at alert levels 3 and 4, and the challenges they experienced. The Ministry of Health (MoH), Te Rau Ora and Te Pou were keen to understand how common these experiences were, identify which adaptations and innovations the workforce and services want to carry forward, and what actions and resources would help enable these changes. The identified challenges and benefits will serve as a resource for future service and workforce enhancement. In addition to the hui, Te Pou and the MoH carried out an online survey between 18 and 25
May 2020. The survey was distributed to all hui attendees and previous Matua Raki newsletter subscribers. People working in alcohol and drug and gambling services were invited to participate. Recipients were also encouraged to share the survey with their networks.