People choosing other ways to do business on-line or over the phone, we are a not-for-profit organisation and the shop front is not sustainable for business. These are the explanations given for HCF’s decision to shut down its Bowral branch.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On the whole these all sound like solid reasons for the decision. But with a closer look at the move to shut down the last private health fund shop front in the Southern Highlands the matter raised questions from fund members. The Southern Highlands News broke the news on October 17 that the Bowral HCF shop front would close for good on November 7. We have since been inundated with HCF members angered by the impending closure.
“Well they’ll probably lose customers too because of their bad choice to close,” Julia Parker said. “Very disappointing, been with HCF for over 30 years and know a lot of elderly people in the Southern Highlands that have changed to HCF because of the great customer face to face service. Such a shame,” was the response from Felicity Hanson.
“Was interested in changing funds as they had a store front but guess not to be,” was the comment from Annette McTackett. It was a sentiment supported by Lynne Moriarty who said “I was just in the process of changing from Medibank Private to HCF because of HCF’s shopfront and friendly service. Okay scrap that idea!” While others, such as Vicki Seiffert, are considering turning their back on the fund: “Sad news . Campbelltown branch is a disgrace! Not in it’s own store ... but in the walk way where shoppers are walking past continually. The noise is deafening ... I am thinking of leaving HCF ... not thinking of their contributors one bit!”
The closure means HCF members have to drive to Campbelltown of Wollongong for the closest face-to-face service. Otherwise they can go online or make a phone call - an option that most people try to avoid for fear of an automated run-around. It’s hardly a trade off for the pleasant, helpful service always offered by the Bowral branch staff.
Private health fund members pay significantly – top cover for a family can be more than $500 a month. Many Highlanders have chosen to spend this money with HCF because of the benefit of the local presence of the fund and the friendly service of the Bowral branch staff. If it is not available, HCF may no longer be the preferred option. Is that good business sense?
READ ALSO: Slow NBN upsets Wingello residents
