Pre-Close Statement

Smith & Nephew Plc
17 December 2002

17 December 2002



              STRONG FULL-YEAR RESULTS EXPECTED FOR SMITH & NEPHEW

          Medical Devices Company Continues to Sustain Business Growth


Smith & Nephew plc, the advanced medical devices group, has continued to deliver
strong business performance in the second half of the year, with the underlying
rate of sales growth in the ongoing businesses expected to be 14% for the full
year - the same as last year.  Acquisitions added a further 4% to this growth,
but currency will be 3% adverse.


Smith & Nephew is to give a trading update to investors and analysts today ahead
of the close period preceding its Preliminary Results announcement.  The
company, whose business is focused on the fast-growing markets for orthopaedics,
endoscopy and advanced wound management products, will report its preliminary
results on 7 February 2003 at 2pm GMT (8am CST).  Please note that this is a
change from the previously published date in order to present simultaneously to
analysts and investors in London and New Orleans during the American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting.


Smith & Nephew has continued to perform strongly in all of its businesses
throughout 2002.  Orthopaedics led the way once again, with underlying sales
expected to grow by 19% for the full year, and extremely strong knee growth at
33% over last year.  Endoscopy's underlying sales growth will be 10% for the
full year, with the acquisition of Oratec this year adding 9% to this.  Wound
Management will once again deliver underlying sales growth of 11%, with last
year's acquisition of the Beiersdorf and Acticoat ranges adding 4% to this for
the full year.


Chris O'Donnell, Chief Executive of Smith & Nephew said, 'Our innovative
products and the investments we have made in our sales forces are delivering
sustained growth above that of the markets in which we operate.  We are pleased
with the progress made by Smith & Nephew this year, and we are focused on
delivering continued sales growth and expanding our group operating margins
moving forward.'


The briefing today will be by conference call at 3pm UK time, and 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

Angie Craig, Corporate Affairs Director                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