Exhibit 4.3(c)

                          HOLDINGS ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT


                                                                    May 11, 1999


Reference is hereby made to the Purchase Agreement, dated April 30, 1999 (the
"Agreement"), between Healthtrust, Inc.-The Hospital Company ("Healthtrust") and
the Purchasers named therein and the Triad Assumption Agreement, dated May 11,
1999, between Healthtrust and Triad Hospitals, Inc. ("Triad"). Unless otherwise
defined herein, terms defined in the Agreement and used herein shall have the
meanings given them in the Agreement.

Triad Hospitals Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings") hereby unconditionally and
irrevocably expressly assumes, confirms and agrees to perform and observe as the
"Company" each and every of the covenants, agreements, terms, conditions,
obligations, appointments, duties, promises and liabilities of Triad under the
Agreement, and upon the Business being validly transferred to Holdings, the
assumption by Holdings of the indebtedness evidenced by the Securities and Triad
and Holdings executing and delivering this Holdings Assumption Agreement, Triad
shall fully, unconditionally and irrevocably be released of all covenants,
agreements, terms, conditions, obligations, appointment, duties, promises and
liabilities under the Agreement.

Each of the undersigned hereby agrees to promptly execute and deliver any and
all further documents and take such further action as any other undersigned
party or the Representatives may reasonably require to effect the purpose of
this Holdings Assumption Agreement.

This Holdings Assumption Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York.


                                       TRIAD HOSPITALS, INC.


                                       By:  /s/ Donald P. Fay
                                                Name:  Donald P. Fay
                                                Title:  Executive Vice President

                                       TRIAD HOSPITALS HOLDINGS,
                                         INC.


                                       By:  /s/ Donald P. Fay
                                                Name:  Donald P. Fay
                                                Title:  Executive Vice President