A major part of the Stannington Sanatorium Project has been to digitise the radiographs held within the collection, along with early case files and the significant amount of photographic material. The digitisation has taken many months, transferring 14,663 microfiche x-ray copies and original x-rays and 949 patient case files into a digital format using a digital SLR camera. These images have subsequently been redacted, removing any identifying information and thus creating completely anonymised digital images.
Archival digitisation is utilised as a means of protecting original records and preventing further deterioration. Through the creation of a digital surrogate original documents need not be produced as frequently, therefore prevent the risk of further damage to originals caused by regular handling. It also aids in the making of the records more widely accessible. By creating a digital image it is possible to utilise a number of internet resources, including social media, as a means of reaching beyond those who can physically visit the archive. Throughout the Stannington Sanatorium Project we have used a range of social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as making use of widely accessed sites like Flickr to disseminate information covered by the collection.
The Stannington Collection, a collection pertaining to a children’s tuberculosis hospital encompassing both clinical and non-clinical records, is very specific in its own nature. As a result it has generated much interest from many fields of the academic community. Through the production of anonymised digital copies, academics can access records which, without redaction, would otherwise be unavailable under data protection law. This allows the records to be more widely disseminated as a teaching tool; a means for continuing research into tuberculosis and a way of understanding our not so distance past.
With the final stages of the digitisation process nearing completion, we have succeeded in our aims to open up this fascinating collection to those in the local area and beyond, and as a resource for future research. Copies of the images can now be viewed and purchased (if required) from Northumberland Archives electronic catalogue.
To view our Flickr stream follow this link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/99322319@N07/albums