Medical (Absence from Work) Certificates
When you need to take sick or personal leave from work, most employers will require you to provide a certificate from a health professional, such as a medical certificate or Absence from Work certificate.
antidote Cromwell can provide you with a Medical or Absence from Work Certificate. This is a quick and easy way to get the required documentation without having to visit a doctor or make an appointment.
Eligibility and cost:
Anyone requiring documentation for an absence from work for medical reasons
A consultation with our trained pharmacist must be performed before a certificate is issued - this can be face-to-face, or via a telehealth consult
$35 per consultation
Available at antidote Cromwell
Under the Holidays Act Amendment (no 2) of 2016, Section 68 Pharmacists are legally authorised to issue Medical Certificates:
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2016/0076/latest/whole.html#DLM6984001
Frequently asked questions
What is a Medical or Absence from Work Certificate?
A medical or Absence from Work Certificate is a form of evidence that is used to confirm that an employee is unable to attend work due to illness, injury, or having to care for a family or household member.
Can you get a Medical or Absence from Work Certificate for personal leave?
Yes, a certificate be be issued for personal leave. It myst be that the pharmacist's opinion is that you are unable to work due to personal illness or injury.
Can you get a Medical or Absence of Work Certificate for carer's leave?
Yes, a certificate can be issued for Carer's leave if the person providing care or support to a family or household member who is sick, injured or affected by an emergency.
What are the conditions for a pharmacist to provide me with a certificate?
The pharmacist at antidote Cromwell will conduct a face-to-face consultation (either in person or via video-conferencing) and will only issue a certificate if they are professionally qualified to assess the illness or injury; and if in their professional opinion you are unfit to work.
If the pharmacist is issuing a carer's leave certificate, they may request a consultation with the ill or injured family/household member as well as the person requesting the certificate. Where this is not practical, the pharmacist will use their own judgement to verify that carer's leave is required.
Do I need to make an appointment?
No appointment is necessary, we welcome walk-ins. You can book online via our website though, if you prefer.
How long is the consultation?
The appointment will be quick and convenient, usually taking no more than 10 minutes.
What do I need to do prior to my consultation with the pharmacist?
There are a couple of things that you will need to make sure of before your appointment:
Bring with you any documentation such as prescriptions or previous certificates that relates to the current request (if they have not been issued by our pharmacy in the first place)
Before commencing your consultation, you will need to be aware of the following:
A certificate issued by a pharmacist is not accepted for any other purpose than as evidece to support your absence from work due to illness, injury or carer's leave
The opinion provided juring the consultation is that of a pharmacist, not of a medical practitioner. If you require the opinion of a medical practitioner, we recommend making an appointment with you GP
The consulttation does not replace medical treatment, opinion or diagnosis, and if the illness or injury persists or worsens, see the attention of your GP
A certificate can only be issued starting from the date of your consultation, not before and not after
Is there a cost associated with getting a certificate from a pharmacist?
Yes, there is a cost of $35 for the consultation.
Do I need to get a prescription on the day to be eligible?
No, this is not a requirement.
Will a record of my consultation be made and retained by the pharmacist?
Yes, the pharmacist is legally obligated to create a record of the consultation. It will be retained in a secure and confidential manner.
What illnesses or injuries are outside the scope of practice for a pharmacist to supply a certificate?
It is well within the rights of the pharmacist to decide whether or not the illness or injury is within their scope of practice and will advice you if this is the case.
Pharmacists are not able to issue certificates for:
'Return to work' purposes, as further or ongoing assessments of fitness to return to work are outside their scope of practice. If this is required then they will refer you to a medical practitioner.
Pregnancy-related requests, unless they determine it is a minor ailment within their scope of practice.
Compassionate or maternity leave.
A purpose other than proof of personal/carer's leave (absence from work).
An extension of an existing certificate.
