EXHIBIT 23.9     
                  
               CONSENT OF PERSON ABOUT TO BECOME A DIRECTOR     
   
  I hereby consent to the reference to me as a prospective director of
Meditrust Corporation and Meditrust Operating Company where it appears in this
Registration Statement, including the Prospectus constituting a part thereof,
and any amendments thereto.     
                                                   
                                                /s/ David F. Benson     
                                             
                                          _________________________________    
                                             
                                          David F. Benson