Strong Sales Growth

Smith & Nephew Plc
3 April 2002



3 April 2002

                               SMITH & NEPHEW PLC

                STRONG SALES GROWTH CONTINUES FOR SMITH & NEPHEW



Smith & Nephew, the advanced medical devices group, has seen sales growth in the
first quarter of 2002 continue at the strong level achieved during 2001,
Chairman Dudley Eustace told shareholders at the company's AGM today.



Mr Eustace said that Smith & Nephew's chosen markets are growing robustly. 'We
are well positioned to benefit from the increasing demand for easier-to-use,
more efficient products, and intend to maintain the momentum we have developed
in recent years.  Our emphasis on achieving strong organic growth will continue
by increasing our sales teams, running our businesses more efficiently, and
ensuring we maintain the pace of launching innovative new products.  We will
also seek to acquire businesses or technologies which strengthen our long-term
prospects and underpin our drive for shareholder value.'



He said that in 2001 the group's three major businesses all improved their sales
and profit performance.  Orthopaedics maintained its position as one of the
fastest growing orthopaedics companies, growing at almost twice the market rate.
  Endoscopy reinforced its position as world No 1 in minimally invasive surgery
of the joints, with the knee ligament repair business growing by 15%.  Wound
Management consolidated its position as world leader in the advanced treatment
of hard to heal wounds, integrating two significant acquisitions.



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