- No appointmentWalk in any time during store hours
- Work or studyFor a short absence caused by a minor illness
- Bring IDValid identification may be required
What a work absence certificate is
Sometimes called a sick leave certificate, it is a written record confirming you could not attend work or study because of a minor illness or health condition. Ours are for short-term absences only, and they can save you a trip to the doctor.
Students should check what their school, TAFE or university accepts, as each education provider sets its own rules for evidence.
Getting a medical certificate at our Abermain pharmacy
- Come in during opening hours. There is no booking to make.
- Describe your symptoms to the pharmacist and when they started.
- The pharmacist assesses your condition to decide whether a certificate is suitable.
- If it is, the pharmacist issues your certificate. If your condition needs further medical attention, the pharmacist may refer you to a doctor.
What to bring: your ID, in case the pharmacist needs to see it.
Evidence your employer can request
The point of evidence is to show you were unable to work because of an illness or injury. Under national workplace rules, employers can ask for evidence for as little as 1 day off work. The Fair Work Ombudsman gives medical certificates and statutory declarations as examples of acceptable evidence, and says there are no strict rules on the type, as long as it would convince a reasonable person that the leave was genuine.
An award or registered agreement can specify when evidence is needed and what kind, and the request must always be reasonable. Before you rely on a pharmacist's certificate, check your award, agreement or workplace policy, or ask your employer.
Fair Work warns that an employee who does not provide evidence when asked may not be paid for that sick leave.
When a doctor is the better choice
A pharmacy certificate suits a short, minor illness. See your GP if symptoms keep going, get worse, or you expect a longer time away. For health advice at any hour, the Healthdirect helpline is on 1800 022 222. In an emergency, call 000.
While you recover, rest, drink plenty of fluids and wash your hands often so the people around you stay well.
Sick leave questions
When should I let my employer know I am sick?
As soon as possible. Fair Work says this can be after the leave has started, and you should also say how long you expect to be away.
What if I could not get a certificate in time?
A statutory declaration is another form of evidence. Fair Work gives the example of an employee who could not see a doctor, supplied one instead, and was paid for the day.
Is a pharmacist certificate treated the same as a GP one?
Not always. The Pharmacy Industry Award, for example, lets an employer ask for a certificate from a legally qualified medical practitioner once an absence exceeds 3 consecutive days. Other awards set their own terms, so keep a pharmacy certificate for brief illnesses and see your GP for anything longer.
Can my employer come to the consultation or call about me?
Fair Work does not consider it reasonable for an employer to attend a medical appointment with you unless you ask them to, or to contact your doctor for further information.
Other ways our pharmacists can help are listed on the pharmacist services page.
Unwell and need proof for work?
Our pharmacy is at 193 Cessnock Road, open for walk-ins throughout store hours. If you have questions first, give us a ring.