Stadium Export Services Helps Deliver Lifesaving Equipment to Sierra Leone

Stadium Export Services has collaborated with local MBE Doctor, Dr David Nylander, to safely package three endoscope machines headed for hospitals in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone faces significant challenges in healthcare, particularly in access to advanced medical equipment. Until 2016, there were no facilities offering upper or lower GI endoscopy for adults, forcing patients to seek costly procedures abroad. A team of UK based gastroenterologists and endoscopy nurses, led by Dr David Nylander, MBE, launched a training initiative in partnership with Choithram Memorial Hospital in Freetown, aiming to establish a sustainable, high-quality endoscopy service.

Recognised for his contributions to healthcare in Sierra Leone and the UK, Dr Nylander was awarded an MBE as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s overseas and international birthday honour’s list in 2021.

In 2025, Dr Nylander acquired four endoscope machines in the UK for use in Sierra Leonean hospitals and required a reliable export packaging solution to ensure the equipment would arrive safely and ready for use, while also doing so at an affordable cost.

Dr Nylander contacted Stadium Export Services through the company’s website to enquire about packaging solutions for the endoscopes. He was invited to the Stadium facility to present and highlight the importance of the project to Stadium employees.

Stadium designed and supplied three lightweight, protective cases constructed from plywood and timber framing, tailored to secure the endoscope machines during shipping. To protect against the humid conditions of containerised sea freight, each unit was enclosed in a full foil vacuum vapor membrane and fitted with desiccant to mitigate moisture damage.

In support of the project, Stadium provided the packaging free of charge. Additionally, the team coordinated with freight partner Bruce Express, who transported the packaged equipment to London Ports at no cost, ready for shipment to Sierra Leone.

The collaboration ensured that critical medical equipment reached its destination safely, supporting improved healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.

Dr David Nylander said: “I stumbled across Stadium when looking for a company who could safely pack fragile endoscopy equipment. After explaining to the team how this life saving equipment needed packed for shipment to Sierra Leone, they agreed to build bespoke boxes, as well as arranging the support of a haulage company to deliver them to London from Newcastle, free of charge!”

“On behalf of the patients in Sierra Leone, I’d like to thank Stadium Export for this wonderful gesture which will lead to alleviating suffering and saving lives.”

If you need secure and reliable export packaging for sensitive equipment, Stadium Export Services can provide tailored solutions to suit your requirements, find out more here.