Interim Pre-Close Statement

Smith & Nephew Plc
27 June 2000

                                       
                            SMITH & NEPHEW PLC 2000
                          INTERIM PRE-CLOSE STATEMENT

Smith & Nephew, the global medical devices company, today met with analysts to
discuss current trading ahead of the close period preceding the announcement
of the Company's Interim Results in August.

Smith & Nephew continues to derive substantial benefits from the strategic
changes introduced since the commencement of the Three Year Plan in December
1998 to reshape the Group.  Current trading is up to expectations with sales
growing at around 7.5%.

To measure its success in reshaping the Group, Smith & Nephew set two main
financial targets over the three year period: first, to achieve high-single
digit earnings growth and, second, to improve margins by three percentage
points.  The Group remains on target to achieve these goals.