S&N in discussions with DoJ

Smith & Nephew Plc
27 September 2007



Smith & Nephew in discussions with the
New Jersey Department of Justice


27 September


Smith & Nephew plc (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN), the global medical technology business,
announces that, following the receipt of a subpoena in March 2005, it is in
discussions with the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey to
agree a settlement in relation to the investigation into the company's
consulting contracts with surgeons.

These discussions are in an advanced stage and the company believes that the
resolution will not be materially adverse to the company.  The company further
believes that the company's procedures for the establishment and maintenance of
consulting contracts with surgeons are compliant with the law.

Smith & Nephew anticipates that these discussions will be promptly concluded and
it will make a further announcement when it is appropriate to do so.

The United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Mr Christopher J.
Christie, has reviewed this announcement and approved its contents.


Enquiries

Investors

Liz Hewitt                                  Tel:   [phone]
Smith & Nephew
Group Director Corporate Affairs

Media

Jon Coles                                   Tel:   [phone]
Brunswick - London

David Shapiro                               Tel:   [phone]
Brunswick - Washington


About Smith & Nephew

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 generating annual sales
approaching $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.




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