Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics Donates Inaugural Funds to COTA Grants Program

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew's (NYSE: SNN; LSE: SN) Orthopaedics business announced today it has made a first-of-its-kind contribution to the Center for Orthopaedic Trauma Advancement (COTA) for fellowship and resident education grants.

Smith & Nephew and COTA entered into a grant administration agreement in September under which COTA will serve as an independent, third-party administrator of funds. Smith & Nephew is providing COTA's first donation to support research, fellowship and residency programs for orthopaedic surgeons serving the multiply-injured patient.

COTA is the first 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation exclusively dedicated to funding medical education for surgeons who specialize in orthopaedic trauma patient care. The organization is working to build on Smith & Nephew's contribution with additional grants from industry, as well as non-profit entities and philanthropic sources.

"We are proud to donate the first funds to COTA as they create an important avenue for the independent selection and distribution of grants," said Bill Shopoff, president of Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics' Trauma business. "This agreement reinforces our commitment to training and education for the physicians who deliver life-restoring trauma technology to patients."

About Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specialising in Orthopaedics, including Reconstruction, Trauma and Clinical Therapies; Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management. Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the leading global orthopaedics companies.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The Company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The Company operates in 32 countries around the world. Annual sales in 2008 were $3.8 billion.

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