We have a similar system in Ireland. You log a call with a regional service and nurse calls you back to assess your case, when she does you are referred to out

We have a similar system in Ireland. You log a call with a regional service and nurse calls you back to assess your case, when she does you are referred to out of hours GP service or the hospital. The GP service costs €60 for ages 6+ or is free like a regular GP service up to the age of 6. That scheme is to be extended to age 12 over the next three years. GP is also free for anyone 70+ We have used the out of hours GP service 10+ times over the last three years with a sick toddler, only referred on to A&E once, definitely helps keep A&E free. When we did go to A&E there is a separate waiting room for young kids to keep them away from the trauma/drunks/crazies. If you go straight to A&E without a GP referral it costs approx €110, if you have a letter from GP its free. Our health system is far from perfect but the out of hours GP/referral system and the free kids works for us.