The archive comprises some printed work by Thomas Hodgkin, letters to and from fellow physicians and a box of notes on medical cases, observations, sketches and various fragments.

Thomas Hodgkin (b.1798 - d.1866) was a British physician, considered one of the most prominent pathologists of his time and a pioneer in preventive medicine. He is now best known for the first account of Hodgkin's disease, a form of lymphoma and blood disease, in 1832. Hodgkin's work marked the beginning of the development of the role of the pathologist in being actively involved in the clinical process.

The Pybus Collection, originally brought together by the esteemed local medic and surgeon Professor Frederick Charles Pybus (1883-1975), is rich in material relating to the history of medicine. The collection consists chiefly of some 2000 volumes which are mostly classics of the history of medicine, with particular reference to anatomy, surgery and medical illustration.

Highlights are Gilles de Corbeil's De Pulsibus (1494), the first printed book on the pulse, as well as a 1648 edition of William Harvey's celebrated work Exercitatio anatomica de motu cordis et sanguinis in which he published his discoveries about the motion of the heart and blood. There is also a 1555 edition of one of the most important and influential books in the history of medicine, De Humani Corporis Fabrica by Andreas Versalius. Most of the other celebrated anatomists are represented here too, as well as later pioneers and experts.

The Pybus collection also includes engravings, portraits, busts, holographic letters and a set of bleeding bowls (currently housed at the Walton Library).

The Hospital Archives are an administrative collection containing statutes and rules, catalogues of medical libraries, early annual reports from the Newcastle Infirmary (founded in 1751) and of the Royal Victoria Infirmary (opened 1906), eighteenth and early nineteenth century reports relating to the Newcastle Dispensary (founded in 1777) and nineteenth century minutes from the meetings of local medical societies.

This is a collection of over 2000 volumes and hundreds of pamphlets, covering the history of medicine and a broad range of medical subjects. The collection is rich in seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth-century works.

It includes books from the medical library of noted South Shields doctor T.M. Winterbottom (1766-1859), and highlights include Erasmus Darwin's Zoonomia (1794), John Abercrombie's Pathological and Practical Researches on Diseases of the Brain and Spinal Cord (1828), considered to have been the first textbook on Neuropathology, and several works by the famed botanist, humanist and physician Herman Boerhaave (1668-1738).

Includes essay by Sir Liam, entitled Respect: An Essential Part of Quality Healthcare, in which he discusses Lord Jakobovits' contribution to medical ethics and ethics in a contemporary context.

Essay featured on pages 61 to 72.

Consist of article by Sir Liam writing in his capacity of final adjudicator for the Smith and Nephew Silver Scalpel Awards, in which he discusses the need for clinical governance and quality-assured practice in surgery.

Article featured on pages 1 to 2.

Conisists of 30 minute panel discussion programme presented by Andrew Marr, featuring Sir Liam, novelist William Boyd, broadcaster John Micklethwait, and journalist Polly Toynbee. Each offers predictions for the coming years; Sir Liam's being the inevitably of another influenza pandemic. Discusses historical trends, the need for good planning to mitigate harm, public and political reactions to pandemics, and what the UK is doing to prepare.

Other health issues discussed include stem cell research, Sir Liam's perception of the strengths and weaknesses of the NHS and reforms during his time as Chief Medical Officer, and the 'Nanny State' in relation to healthy lifestyles.

Consists of printed copies of web and newspaper media articles and transcripts of interviews given by Sir Liam on specific health and health care topics and campaigns.

These include;

Antbiotic Use;

Drinking During Pregnancy;

Folic Acid;

HIV Testing;

Hybrid Embryos;

Organ Donation;

Patient Safety;

Consists of 56 powerpoint presentations, including notes, used by Sir Liam during speeches and presentations given during his time as Chief Medical Officer regarding his Special Reports, campaigns and other areas of work. Topics include organ and tissue retention , Annual Reports, Expert Medical Witnesses in Family Law Cases, outbreaks of foot and mouth disease (Aphtae epizooticae), the MMR vaccine, pandemic influenza outbreaks (including the H1N1 'Swine Flu'), and stem cell research.