MEDICAL devices maker Smith & Nephew, which has bases in York and Hull, has said the fortunes of its endoscopy division were looking up as it reported a strong first quarter.

The group, whose research and development offices are at York Science Park at Heslington, said endoscopy, which involves using tubes to look inside the body, was "returning to its former growth momentum", with sales eight per cent up on a year ago.

S&N said its other key businesses were also growing as it posted an underlying 12 per cent increase in overall sales to £302 million in the first quarter to April 3.

Underlying sales in its orthopaedics division grew 17 per cent - faster than the same period last year - while its wound management activities also showed good underlying growth. The group said it had launched a number of innovative products this year, as well as completing important technology acquisitions in each of its businesses.

Chief executive Sir Christopher O'Donnell said: "As a result of our growth momentum, we are in good shape to meet our targets going forward."

Smith & Nephew does about 55 per cent of its sales in the US and the remainder in the UK, where its operations include its wound management division in Hull and a group resources centre in York. It is active in 32 countries around the world.

Updated: 09:05 Monday, May 17, 2004