In Ye Olde Days- when DH on call afor night and week-ends and out on a call- before mobile phones and couldn't be contacted (we always got the number of where he had to go on the emergency visit- but many people didn't have phones then, or refused to give it, or he was on the road) - I was left to decide if I should call an ambulance or not - call one of the other partners, or just wait for him to come home to make the decsion himself (never knowing of course how long he would be before being home). The stress was incredible. I know, different to the above situation.
Triage nurses were brought in because of the incredible amount of 'time wasters' and to ensure those who really needed the appointment got them. At least they are qualified and trained nurses - not receptionists, or PAs/translators like me.
