Exhibit 24


     Consent of Independent Auditors
     
We consent to the incorporation by reference in
the following Healthtrust, Inc. - The Hospital Company
Registration Statements:

a. Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 33-44636)
   pertaining to the 1988 Supplemental Stock Plan, filed
   on December 19, 1991;

b. Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 33-44732)
   pertaining to the Amended and Restated 1990 Directors
   Stock Compensation Plan, filed on December 23, 1991;

c. Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 33-44733)
   pertaining to the Amended and Restated 1990 Stock
   Compensation Plan, filed on December 23, 1991;

d. Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 33-44730)
   pertaining to 47,645 shares of Common Stock issuable
   under the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "ESOP"),
   filed on December 23, 1991;

e. Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 33-47161)
   pertaining to 59,290 shares of Common Stock issuable
   under the ESOP, filed on April 13, 1992;

f. Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 33-53090)
   pertaining to 78,392 shares of Common Stock issuable
   under the ESOP, filed on October 8, 1992;

g. Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 33-54958)
   pertaining to 26,122,193 shares of Common Stock
   issuable under the ESOP, filed November 24, 1992;

of our report dated October 14, 1994 with respect to
the consolidated financial statements and schedules of
Healthtrust, Inc. - The Hospital Company included in
the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended August
31, 1994.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Nashville, Tennessee
November 22, 1994