About our Facility

Chelliah Selvasekar

MSSSC Joint Clinical Director; Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, Divisional Medical Director, Clinical services & Specialist Surgery, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

MD, FRCSEd (Gen Surg), Pg Dip (Medical Education), MBA

As a consultant colorectal surgeon with fifteen years’ experience, my clinical practice includes screening colonoscopy, minimal access colorectal surgery (including robotics) and complex colorectal cancer management.

I have a passion for surgical education.  As Council Member for the Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of GB & Ireland, I introduced regular regional meetings, LapPass and convened Basic Robotic courses and Robotic Training the Trainer courses. I am Preceptor for laparoscopic colorectal surgery, and also the Vice-Chair for the Surgical Speciality Board in General Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

As surgical educational lead at the Christie, I have introduced clinically and financially sustainable educational programmes from medical students to consultants over the last eight years. I have built a good relationship with industry and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Internationally, I have initiated successful fellowship programmes with India and Sri Lanka. I am also the surgical lead for the MCh programme administered through Edge Hill University. This programme brings regular supply of trainees to address service capacity issues in the NHS, and ensures high quality academic knowledge and skills are provided.

At the MSSSC, I look forward to providing high quality surgical training fit for 21st Century.

Carla Santos

Operations Manager

NVQ3 Business Admin and ILM L3 Coaching

I’m Carla, a business admin and operational management professional, with over 15 years’ experience in the field. I started my NHS career back in 2009, as a Switchboard Operator and over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge in various departments, including Trust Management, Information Governance and most recently, Medical Education.

In my career, I have enhanced operational efficiency almost everywhere I worked, with one of my proudest achievements being the increase of Mandatory Training compliance in a Theatre environment to 94%, within a few short months.

Outside of work, I am passionate about Sound Healing and am currently studying for my Advanced Sound Therapy Diploma. Meditation and spending time in nature both play an important part in my daily life. When I’m not out in nature, I love to unwind by Gaming.

“I am really excited about contributing to MSSSC’s success and working towards achieving our goal of becoming a centre of excellence”.

Andrea Rawlinson

Theatre Mortuary Supervisor

HNDIP- Operating Department Practice

I began my career in the NHS, specialising in sterile services and instrument processing. After ODP training, I ventured into both private and NHS sectors, focusing on plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Beyond the surgical theatre, I excel in traditional English longbow archery, securing gold at club and county levels. I’m not only a skilled archer but also the Club Chairperson, making history as the first woman in the club to hold the position in its 75 year history.

I also have an interest in the green initiatives promoted by the MFT trust and with the help of the MSSSC team have developed the RECLAIM initiative where we reuse out of date equipment and consumables for medical education.

My journey is defined by a commitment to excellence, whether in healthcare or on the archery field.

“Fueled by a profound passion for plastics, my vision extends to cultivating a centre of excellence where the next generation of surgeons can draw inspiration, just as I have throughout my career.”

Sally Burton

Mortuary Assistant

BSc Anatomical Science

After completing a degree in Anatomical Science in 2023, I had the privilege of joining the MSSSC in December of the same year. During my final year, I undertook a dissertation focused on the neurological effects of alcohol use disorder. This project was deeply meaningful to me, involving collaboration with a diverse group of individuals ranging from members of the general public to neuroscience lecturers and specialists at The University of Manchester. I’m proud to have achieved a First Class on this project, as it is a topic close to my heart.

“My experience at MSSSC has solidified my passion for surgical education and human anatomy. I am eager to continue expanding my expertise in these areas and am pursuing further education this year with a PGCert in Clinical Anatomy with Education, with the ultimate goal of teaching anatomy.”

Millie Astley-Evans

Mortuary Technician

BSc in Forensic Biology with honours

Having worked within the NHS since my late teens, I bring a wealth of knowledge and technical skill to the MSSSC team. Since graduating, I have qualified as a Dispensing Assistant gaining an insight into medicinal benefits. Working within a rural community highlighted the importance of the healthcare system and how it can benefit so many people given the rising demands and pressures.

My role within the MSSSC is predominantly focused on procuring and the preparation of tissues/models for both wet labs and dry labs. I also support with equipment-related enquiries as well the day-to-day running of the lab and mortuary.

Outside of work, I enjoy making jewellery out of recycled materials. When I can, I attend local craft fairs that fundraise for local communities and charities.

“I am keen to expand on how the centre can advocate and support women’s health to further improve the awareness and understanding of Reproductive and Gynaecological health”.

Simon Hollingworth

MSSSC Administrator

LLB (Hons), PGCE

I have had a ‘portfolio career’, which has given me a broad range of experience in both customer-facing and back-office roles. Many of my jobs have had a common thread running through them – I am committed to education in whatever format it presents itself. From returning to university as a mature student, studying with the Open University, passing my PGCE in my mid-40s, and now helping relaunch the MSSSC, my belief in lifelong education continues to drive what I do.

“I am very proud to be playing a small part in helping the MSSSC educate, train and develop and encourage the next generation of medical practitioners.”

Hayley Mullen

Marketing and Events Coordinator

ACIM | BSc Hons Digital Marketing (Currently studying)

With over a decade of experience in marketing and a strong background in educational events, I joined MSSSC in July 2022, eager to contribute to their growth. My career began within the NHS, where I spent more than four years honing my skills in managing and promoting health educational initiatives.

I recently graduated with a first-class honours degree and distinction in digital marketing, which has empowered me to apply what I learned into my daily work. This has been instrumental in transforming the MSSSC from a pilot scheme into a thriving centre for surgical education.

I’m proud to be part of MSSSC and to contribute to its innovative approach to surgical education.

“I am deeply committed to the Women in Surgery initiative and passionate about increasing female representation within the centre. I aspire to inspire and advocate for more girls to pursue careers in STEM.”