Chairman's Statement

Smith & Nephew Plc
11 April 2000


                           CHAIRMAN'S AGM STATEMENT

Dudley Eustace, Chairman of Smith & Nephew plc, the global medical device
company, told shareholders at the Company's Annual General Meeting today that
over the past 18 months the Company has introduced a programme of significant
change, including revised strategic aims, a restructuring of the Group, the
rationalisation of its manufacturing facilities and the setting of clear
financial targets.

'The management of our group is focused on enhancing shareholder value, and we
are very much on track to deliver our growth objectives and complete our
rationalisation programme' said Dudley Eustace. ' We achieved a marked
increase in performance last year and current trading is up to our
expectations.'

The Company continues to focus on introducing new high tech products in the
core growth areas of its business, and expects to launch additional and
significant products in the areas of orthopaedics, endoscopy and wound
management during 2000.

'Innovation is the life blood of a growing company like Smith & Nephew,'
commented Dudley Eustace, 'and we plan to keep a strong focus on new product
introductions.  This will benefit patients and healthcare providers, and
enable the Company to grow sustainably at above market rates.'

Enquiries:

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

Financial Dynamics                               Tel: [phone]
David Yates/Sophie Pender-Cudlip