Exhibit 23


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 33-38188) pertaining to the Vencor, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan;
in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-34191) pertaining to the Vencor,
Inc. 1987 Incentive Compensation Program; in the Registration Statement (Form S-
8 No. 33-40949) pertaining to the Vencor, Inc. 1987 Incentive Compensation
Program-additional shares; in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-34192)
pertaining to the Vencor, Inc. 1987 Stock Option Plan for Nonemployee
Directors; in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-66774) pertaining to
the Vencor, Inc. Nonemployee Directors Deferred Compensation Plan; in the
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-81988) pertaining to the Vencor, Inc.
1987 Incentive Compensation Program-additional shares; and in the Registration
Statement (Form S-3 No. 33-71910) pertaining to shares to be issued in
connection with acquisitions, of our report dated February 17, 1997, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Vencor, Inc.
included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Louisville, Kentucky
March 24, 1997