Blacktown, 18 May, 2017:  HCF, the largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, has been recognised for its strong commitment to serving the local Blacktown community.

Staff at the HCF Blacktown branch won the “Sydney Local Business Award” at the 2017 Blacktown Local Business Awards. The awards ceremony was held at The Blacktown Workers Club on Tuesday, 16 May, where HCF was recognised as a winner in the Specialised Business category.

Gurdeep Sodhi, Branch Manager at HCF Blacktown, says he is proud that his team’s dedication to the health of the Blacktown community is being recognised.

“It’s very rewarding to win a Local Business Award and to be recognised for the hard work we do every day. We’re a close-knit team and we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service.

“Most of our staff have worked at the branch for over 20 years, which ensures that we have exceptional knowledge of the local community and can provide a very personalised service. We go above and beyond to resolve issues, so that members leave with a smile on their face.

“I have worked at HCF for 30 years, and feel privileged to be able to serve the community, helping members on their health journey,” Mr Sodhi said.

HCF offers various branch services to help Australians improve their health knowledge, including the Victor Chang Heart Health Checks that test members for heart disease risk factors and health stations which look at members’ weight, BMI and body fat percentage. Initiatives like these help HCF offer personalised services based on the needs of local communities that each branch serve.

The HCF branch at Blacktown is a hub of the community, offering first hand support for members. The dedicated staff empower locals to understand and navigate the complex healthcare system, to get the most from their health cover according to their personal needs.

HCF branches enable national insights and resources to be customised on a local level, both with members and the broader local community. HCF Blacktown customer service staff have a wealth of knowledge, and can assist with everything from facilitating the claims process to understanding hospital admission procedures.

Staff can help Blacktown residents choose an appropriate health insurance cover for their life stage, while encouraging members to take advantage of the wide range of services and member benefits offered by HCF, including health management programs, lifestyle apps and other preventive health initiatives.

-ENDS-

Issued on behalf of HCF by WE Buchan. Media enquiries to:

• Rebecca Hands
  Ph: (02) 9237 2817
  M: 0424 804 455
  E: rhands@buchanwe.com.au

• Sophia Brockman
  Ph: (02) 9237 2815
  M: 0416 558 002
  E: sbrockman@buchanwe.com.au

About HCF

HCF, largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers over 1.5 million members with health and life insurance, community care, travel and pet insurance. On average over the last five years, HCF has paid out more cents in every dollar in premiums to members as benefits than the industry average. With over 35,000 specialists participating in its Medical Gap Cover Scheme and approximately 10,000 providers participating in its 100% back More for You programs, HCF gives members access to quality health care with no gaps or minimal costs compared to non-participating providers. To empower members to put their health first, HCF also offers a range of health and lifestyle services including its My Health Guardian health management program, mobile Victor Chang Health Checks and My Global Specialist second opinion service. HCF’s national network of retail outlets and Australian-based call centres have earned multi-award winning status. HCF members also have access to low cost, high quality services at HCF Dental Centres and HCF Eyecare Centres. Having contributed $50 million to support the health services research funded by the HCF Research Foundation, HCF is devoted to investing in the future of Australia’s health. To learn more about HCF go to hcf.com.au/about-us