Appointment

Smith & Nephew Plc
17 December 2001


17 December 2001



             Smith & Nephew appoints two new non-executive directors


Smith & Nephew plc, the global medical devices company, announces the
appointment of two non-executive Directors to the Board.

Pam Kirby, aged 48, and based in North Carolina is Chief Executive Officer of
Quintiles Transnational Corporation.  Quintiles provides information,
technology and services in product development and commercialisation to the
pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.  Pam has held previous senior
management posts at F. Hoffman La-Roche Ltd, British Biotech plc and Astra
Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Brian Larcombe, aged 48, is Chief Executive of 3i Group Plc, the international
venture capital group having previously been Finance Director.

Pam and Brian will join the Board on 1st March 2002.

The vacancies have arisen through the retirement of Sir Anthony Cleaver and
Sir Brian Pearse who have both been non-Executive Directors since 1993 and
retire in February 2002.

Dudley Eustace, Chairman of Smith & Nephew, said today: 'We have received
excellent advice over many years from Sir Brian and Sir Tony and they have
been highly supportive of the steps taken to achieve the transformation of the
company in the last three years. We wish them continuing good fortune for the
future.'

'Pam and Brian bring additional international experience in medical technology
and business and will provide valuable support to the Board.  I look forward
to their contribution.'

There are no disclosures to be made under 6F.2 (b) to (g).




Enquiries:


Chris O'Donnell, Chief Executive            Tel: [phone]

Smith & Nephew plc                          Fax: [phone]

David Yates                                 Tel: [phone]
Financial Dynamics                          Fax: [phone]