Dr Moyez Jiwa, Joan Bakewell, Sue Foster & Dr Kate Gerrish discuss why the role of nurses in providing primary care services out of hours is largely limited to telephone triage. They report on a study suggesting that it may be possible for nurses to be involved in visiting patients in these circumstances.

Moyez Jiwa DCH, MRCGP, MA, MMedSci, is a Lecturer at the Institute of General Practice & Primary Care, University of Sheffield. Joan Bakewell RGN, DN, is a District Nurse, Bridgegate Surgery, Retford. Sue Foster RGN, HV, is a Health Visitor at Bridgegate Surgery, Retford. Kate Gerrish BNurs., MSc, PhD, RGN, DN, is a Reader in Nursing Practice Development at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sheffield.
Article accepted for publication June 2001.