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Absence from work certificate

Need to call in sick or take carer’s leave? Our absence from work certificate consultation is fast, simple, and convenient. Certified by TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacists, consultations start from $29.95*. Walk-in or book ahead.

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What is an absence from work certificate?

An Absence from Work certificate is an official document issued by a pharmacist confirming that you are unable to attend work due to illness, injury, or to care for an immediate family or household member.

Your TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacist can provide this certificate after a consultation and can issue an absence from work certificate for up to two days for:

  1. Personal leave - if you are unable to work due to injury or personal illness
  2. Carer’s leave - if you are required to look after someone who is unwell

‎Following a consultation, your TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacist may issue an absence from work or carer's leave certificate for up to two days. The duration is at the pharmacist's professional discretion, based on their clinical assessment during the consultation.

How can I obtain an absence from work certificate?

Pharmacists can issue an absence from work or medical certificate during pharmacy opening hours. Appointments aren’t required, but you can book ahead if you prefer a specific time.

Book now Find your nearest pharmacy

What is an absence from work certificate?

An Absence from Work certificate is an official document issued by a pharmacist confirming that you are unable to attend work due to illness, injury, or to care for an immediate family or household member.

Your TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacist can provide this certificate after a consultation and can issue an absence from work certificate for up to two days for:

  1. Personal leave - if you are unable to work due to injury or personal illness
  2. Carer’s leave - if you are required to look after someone who is unwell

How can I obtain an absence from work certificate?

Pharmacists can issue an absence from work or medical certificate during pharmacy opening hours. Appointments aren’t required, but you can book ahead if you prefer a specific time.

Book an appointment

Find your nearest pharmacy

Frequently asked questions

Are there any conditions my Pharmacist cannot assess?

Pharmacists cannot issue a certificate for: 

  • Pregnancy-related concerns (unless minor ailments within their scope of practice) 
  • Compassionate or bereavement leave 
  • Extension to an existing certificate 
  • Events that occurred in the past 
  • Any purpose other than evidence of an individual’s need for personal or carer’s leave 

If your Pharmacist is unable to issue a certificate, they will refer you to a telehealth provider or local GP.

Can an absence from work certificate be backdated?

An absence from work certificate is a legal document and cannot be backdated. To receive a Certificate, you need to have a consultation in the store with a TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacist.

The date of absence from work must not commence on a date other than the date of the consultation.

Can an absence from work certificate request be rejected?

Pharmacists are not obligated to issue an absence from work certificate and may reject a request. Requests may be rejected if the pharmacist feels an absence from work certificate is not warranted, or that the nature of the illness requires medical attention.

There may be other circumstances where a pharmacist may refuse to issue an Absence of Work certificate.

Is this service bulk-billed?

No. Consultations for work absence certificates start from just $29.95*.

What do I need to show my Pharmacist?

Please ensure an absence from work certificate is accepted by your employer and bring any items that relate to your request, such as prescriptions or previous certificates. 

It’s important to note that an absence from work certificate is not a medical certificate and can only be used as evidence to support your absence from work due to illness, injury or caring for others who are unwell or injured.

Can you get an Absence from Work certificate from the chemist?

Yes, absence from work certificates are available at your local TerryWhite Chemmart. A consultation with a pharmacist is required before the certificate can be issued.

No appointment is needed, but you can book one if you prefer.

How do I prepare for an Absence from Work consultation?

To prepare for an absence from work consultation, make sure your employer will accept a Certificate issued by a pharmacist. You should also bring any relevant documentation, including prescriptions or previous certificates.

You will need to provide a complete and accurate description of why you are requesting an Absence from Work certificate, including your medical history.

If you need carer’s leave, the person you are caring for should come to the consultation with you.

Disclaimer
*Pricing may incur a surcharge after hours, weekends and public hours. Service fees apply. Subject to Pharmacist’s scope of practice, professional judgement and discretion. A consultation with a Pharmacist is not intended to replace medical treatment or diagnosis from a medical practitioner. Patients may be referred to a medical practitioner at the Pharmacist’s discretion. If your illness/injury persists or becomes worse, you should consult your medical practitioner. Pharmacists use appropriate software to create a record of your consultation and provide you with your absence from work certificate. This means a record of your consultation will be kept by the Pharmacy. Pharmacists may request a consultation with the person who is unwell or injured. If this is not practical, the Pharmacist will use their judgement to verify that carer’s leave is appropriate and required.
Sources
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia / Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Absence from Work Certificates: Guidelines for Pharmacists, https://my.psa.org.au/servlet/fileField?entityId=ka10o000000QN7NAAW&field=PDF_File_Member_Content__Body__s