Using a nurse to report absences

Hi, My MD wants to introduce a process where an outside company takes calls from staff who are reporting their absence due to sickness.

I am sceptical about this sort of service and want the line managers to manage their staff effectively and consistently.

I notice that this scheme, used by other companies, is very effective in the first few months, but has anyone any experience of this system and how effect it is after the intial “shock” to employees?

Thanks

Jennet Simpson