Investor Visit

Smith & Nephew Plc
26 September 2000


                INVESTOR VISIT TO SMITH & NEPHEW US FACILITIES


Smith  & Nephew, the global medical devices company, today commenced two  days
of  visits by institutional investors and analysts to the US facilities of two
of its major businesses.  The visit includes the Boston, Massachusetts base of
the company's endoscopy business, and the Memphis, Tennessee facilities of its
orthopaedics business.  During the visit, guests will have the opportunity  to
meet  the senior management of both businesses, visit manufacturing facilities
and  receive presentations on new and existing products.  The visit  is  being
hosted  by Chief Executive, Chris O'Donnell and Group Finance Director,  Peter
Hooley.

Smith  &  Nephew  confirmed at the start of the visit that  negotiations  with
Beiersdorf  AG  to  create  a  global joint  venture  of  the  two  companies'
traditional  wound healing, casting, bandaging and phlebology  operations  and
for  Smith  &  Nephew to acquire Beiersdorf's advanced woundcare business  are
progressing well and should be completed within the next few weeks.


Enquiries:

Margaret Stewart, Group Director,
Corporate Affairs                                  Tel: [phone]
Smith & Nephew plc                                 Fax: [phone]
David Yates                                        Tel: [phone]
Financial Dynamics                                 Fax: [phone]