Pre-Close Statement

Smith & Nephew Plc
24 June 2002



24 June 2002



Strong first half expected for Smith & Nephew



Smith & Nephew, the advanced medical devices group, is continuing to achieve
strong growth in its business throughout the world, with sales during the first
half of 2002 expected to increase by an underlying 14%.  Acquisitions add a
further 4% to this growth.



The information is being provided to analysts and investors today in a trading
update ahead of the close period preceding the Interim Results announcement
expected on 1 August.



The strong sales growth of the previous two years has continued into 2002 as
Smith & Nephew continues to build on its three core businesses of orthopaedics,
endoscopy and advanced wound management.



Orthopaedics' rate of underlying sales growth has risen to 20%.  Hip and knee
implants are growing at 27% with the new products Oxinium and Supartz making
substantial contributions.  Endoscopy's underlying growth is 8%, with the
acquisition of Oratec earlier this year adding an additional 6% to the half
year.  Sales in Advanced Wound Management are growing at an underlying 10%, with
acquisitions adding a further 8% to this at the half year.



Chris O'Donnell, Chief Executive, said: 'We are very pleased with the progress
of the Group, and particularly with the strong growth and increased market share
in Orthopaedics.  Our focus on new products and a strengthened sales force is
paying off.  Our underlying margins also continue to improve and we expect
further margin improvement in the second half of the year.



'The medical devices sector continues to demonstrate strong growth
characteristics and we expect to make good progress in the second half of the
year, although it will be against the demanding sales growth of last year.'





There will be a briefing by conference call at 3.00pm UK time/10.00am Eastern
Standard Time which can be heard by live audio webcast via the Smith & Nephew
website www.smith-nephew.com.  A recording of the briefing will be available on
the Smith & Nephew website after the call.





Enquiries:


Chris O'Donnell, Chief Executive                        Tel: [phone]
Smith & Nephew plc

Peter Hooley, Finance Director                          Tel: [phone]
Smith & Nephew plc

Margaret Stewart, Group Director Corporate Affairs      Tel: [phone]
Smith & Nephew plc


David Yates                                            Tel: [phone]
Financial Dynamics






                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange