The Bank of New York 101 Barclay Street New York, NY 10286 January 23, 2006 Securities & Exchange Commission 450 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20549 Attn.: Document Control RE: American Depositary Shares evidenced by American Depositary Receipts, each representing five Ordinary Shares of Smith & Nephew plc (Form F6 File No. 333111088) Ladies and Gentlemen: Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on behalf of The Bank of New York, as Depositary for securities against which American Depositary Receipts are to be issued, we attach a copy of the new prospectus (Prospectus) reflecting the change in the nominal value of Smith & Nephew plc ordinary shares from 12 2/9 pence to 20 U.S. cents. As required by Rule 424(e), the upper right hand corner of the Prospectus cover page has a reference to Rule 424(b)(3) and to the file number of the registration statement to which the Prospectus relates. Pursuant to Section III. B. of the General Instructions to the Form F6 Registration Statement, the Prospectus consists of the ADR certificate with revised nominal value of Smith & Nephew plc. The Prospectus has been revised to reflect the new par value from 12 2/9 pence to 20 U.S. cents by addition of the following notation: EFFECTIVE JANUARY 23, 2006, THE NOMINAL VALUE OF THE ORDINARY SHARES CHANGED TO 20 U.S. CENTS PER SHARE. Please contact me with any questions or comments at 212 815 4244. Sandra Friedrich Assistant Vice President The Bank of New York ADR Division Encl. CC: Paul Dudek, Esq. (Office of International Corporate Finance)