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