EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
   
    We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
(Form S-8) pertaining to the Paracelsus Healthcare Corporation 1996 Stock
Incentive Plan of our report dated December 14, 1995, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Paracelsus Healthcare
Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
September 30, 1995, and in its Prospectus dated August 13, 1996, that is made a
part of the Registration Statement (Form S-1), filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
    
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
   
Los Angeles, California
September 17, 1996