About our Facility
About us
The Manchester Surgical Skills and Simulation Centre (MSSSC) is a state-of-the-art facility designed to support high-quality surgical and procedural training at every level – from resident doctors and theatre staff to experienced consultant surgeons.
At the heart of the Centre is a world-class integrated theatre featuring nine dedicated training stations, equipped with the latest surgical tools and simulation technology. Adjacent to the theatre is a glass-fronted seminar room, comfortably seating up to 30 participants. The room includes full audiovisual links to the lab for seamless seminar presentations, and the master station can be broadcast throughout the theatre to enable live demonstrations during training sessions.
For high-fidelity simulation courses, the Centre can source appropriate human or animal tissue to meet specific course requirements. Backed by a strong corporate and academic structure, our management team is available to support the design, development, and delivery of bespoke training programmes within the facility.
The MSSSC is available to hire for both group training and individual use, with full on-site support from our experienced technicians and senior managers. Our dedicated administrative team is also on hand to provide guidance and coordination support where required.
Facilities overview
- Surgical Training Lab with 9 Surgical and Clinical Training Stations
-
On-site support from Skilled Technicians and Managers
-
30 Seat Medical Seminar Room
-
Group Training or Individual Bookings
-
Administrative support and advice
-
Audio-Visual Equipment
Meet the Team
Andrea Rawlinson
Theatre Mortuary Supervisor
Qualifications: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promoted by the MFT trust and with the help of the MSSSC team have developed the RECLAIM initiative where we reuse out of date equipment and consumables for medical education.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.”
Millie Astley-Evans
Mortuary Technician
Qualifications: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”.
Sally Burton
Mortuary Assistant
Qualifications:Anatomical Science (BSc) and Clinical Anatomy with Education (PGCert)
I joined the Manchester Surgical Skills and Simulation Centre in 2023, the same year I finished my degree in Anatomical Science from The University of Manchester, my dissertation focused on the effects of alcohol use disorder on neuroanatomy, which really sparked my interest in how anatomy links to real-world health. In 2024, I decided to complete a PGCert in Clinical Anatomy with Education, alongside my full-time work at The MSSSC, to refresh and improve my anatomical knowledge. Ultimately, my goal is to make anatomy feel less intimidating and more accessible to students and medical professionals.
Carla Smith
Operations Manager
Qualifications: 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.
Liz Morgan-Graham
Medical Education Administrator (MSSSC)
Qualifications:BA (Hons) International Relations, MA Documentary Journalism
Simon Hollingworth
Medical Education Administrator (MSSSC)
Qualifications: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.”
Allison Booth
Operational Services Manager
Qualifications:
Dr Sujata Gupta
Associate Director of Medical Education for MSSSC and Robotics
Qualifications:MBBS, MD, MSc (Merit) – Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy, FRCOG, Advanced Menopause Specialist – BMS-accredited, BIARGS Accreditation in Robotic Surgery
Dr Gupta trained at Calcutta University in India and qualified as a doctor in 1998. She completed her Masters in advanced gynaecological endoscopy in 2014 at the University of Surrey. As a consultant gynaecologist and endometriosis specialist she has over 15 years’ experience and recognised expertise in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery. She mentors colleagues, lectures nationally and internationally, and has played a leading role in developing robotic gynaecological services. She led the complex laparoscopic pelvic surgery service at Royal Preston Hospital, achieving BSGE accreditation in 2014. She subsequently introduced robotic surgery at Stepping Hill Hospital in 2018 and in 2021 joined the Northwest Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Centre (Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust). As a member of the hospital’s Robotic Working Group, she has helped to establish robotic surgery across MFT. In 2025, she was appointed Associate Director for Medical Education at the Manchester Surgical Simulation Skills Centre, leading robotic surgery training across surgical specialties in Northwest England.How to find us
The MSSSC is centrally located within the city of Manchester and within the University of Manchester’s main campus. It is easily accessible by public transport, being a 5-minute drive from Manchester Piccadilly railway station and 20 minutes from Manchester International Airport. If travelling by car there is a NCP multi-story car park located nearby on Grafton Street, charges are applicable. There are hotels to suit every budget within walking distance or a short taxi ride.
Contact us at msssc@mft.nhs.uk for information on availability and costs.
Want to Book our Facility?
Use the form to contact us and briefly describe the services you need. We will get in touch with you about the specific requirements your project and we are happy to tell you more about our services.