This public debate will look at the use of mental health data for research. You will be asked to consider whether patient mental health information is more sensitive than physical health information and if it should be treated differently, and how our data should be used in research. 

The sharing of physical health information for research has lead to some important discoveries and may yet save many more lives. But, the use of an individual’s personal health information also raises some important questions regarding privacy, consent and, we could argue, nothing is more private than information regarding your own mental health.

The British Science association and the University of Manchester’s Centre for Health Informatics invite you to join the following speakers in this debate:

• Dr Sophie Dix (Director for Research, MQ mental health charity)
• Dr Julie Morton (Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of Salford)
• Dr Michelle O'Reilly (Associate Professor, University of Leicester & Research Consultant, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust)
• Professor Martin Severs (Medical Director & Caldicott Guardian, NHS Digital)