ALLEVYN* International Launch

Smith & Nephew Plc
08 October 2007


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
               
Contact:       Sidonie Myers
               Head of Communication
               Smith & Nephew Advanced Wound Management
               [phone]
               [e-mail]

Smith & Nephew announces International launch of New ALLEVYN Ag antimicrobial
dressing range

HULL, UK Oct 8 2007 - Smith & Nephew's (LSE: SN; NYSE:SNN) Advanced Wound
Management division, announced today that it is launching a new range of ALLEVYN
dressings, ALLEVYN Ag, that combine the superior fluid handling of ALLEVYN with
the antimicrobial protection of silver.

The new ALLEVYN Ag range of dressings, available in both adhesive and non
adhesive variants have the addition of a broad spectrum, sustained release
silver.  This combined with the existing benefits of ALLEVYN helps to deliver
the optimal moist wound environment for the promotion of faster healing.

           'The ALLEVYN Ag dressing is very easy to use and we are getting some
great outcomes. One patient that had an open surgical wound remarked that the
dressing was a 'miracle' and very comfortable,' said Paula Kotz as, BSN, RN, C,
CWOCN, ET Consultant Services Inc., Asheville, NC.

'The addition of the ALLEVYN Ag range to the brand will help strengthen our
position further in 2008 as the leading global brand within the foam dressings
market,' said Joe Woody, President, Smith & Nephew Advanced Wound Management.  '
The new products further build on the major improvements made to ALLEVYN in 2006
that have been extremely well received by our customers. The ALLEVYN Ag range
will offer even more benefits to our customers and will continue to improve the
quality of life of their patients.'

ALLEVYN helps to facilitate healing by reducing the risk of maceration and
maintaining an optimal moist wound environment.  ALLEVYN offers the clinician a
clinically proven range of dressings that are cost effective both for the
clinician and the buyer. With the addition of ALLEVYN Ag to the range, ALLEVYN
is able to provide an all in one solution when bacterial colonisation is an
issue.

Smith & Nephew Advanced Wound Management is headquartered in Hull, UK where it
has its main manufacturing facility. The organisation also has a manufacturing
centre in the US in Largo, Florida.
          
•    Trademark of Smith & Nephew

Notes for Editors


About Us

Smith & Nephew Advanced Wound Management, with headquarters in the United
Kingdom, employs more than 3,100 people around the world. The organisation has
manufacturing centres in the United Kingdom and Largo, FL.

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specialising in
Orthopaedic Reconstruction,

Orthopaedic Trauma and Clinical Therapies, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound
Management products.

Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management
and is one of the

leading global orthopaedics companies.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The Company
prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and
professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high
standards of performance, innovation and trust. The Company has 9,600 employees
and operates in 31 countries around the world. Annual sales in 2006 were nearly
$2.8 billion.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain 'forward-looking statements' within the
meaning of the US Private

Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In particular, statements regarding
expected revenue growth and trading margins discussed under 'Outlook' are
forward-looking statements as are discussions of our product pipeline. These
statements, as well as the phrases 'aim', 'plan', 'intend', 'anticipate',
'well-placed','believe', 'estimate', 'expect', 'target', 'consider' and similar
expressions, are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such
forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other important factors (including, but not limited to, the outcome of
litigation, claims and regulatory approvals) that could cause the actual
results, performance or achievements of Smith & Nephew, or industry results, to
differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed
or implied by such forward-looking statements. Please refer to the documents
that Smith & Nephew has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Smith &
Nephew's most recent annual report on Form 20F, for a discussion of certain of
these factors.

All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information
available to Smith & Nephew as of the date hereof. All written or oral
forward-looking statements attributable to Smith & Nephew or any person acting
on behalf of Smith & Nephew are expressly qualified in their entirety by the
foregoing. Smith & Nephew does not undertake any obligation to update or revise
any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Smith &
Nephew's expectation with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or
circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Trademark of Smith & Nephew. Certain marks registered US Patent and Trademark
Office.


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