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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
   
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-12879) and related Prospectus of
American Shared Hospital Services for the registration of 2,679,047 shares of
its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report
dated February 20, 1996, except for Note 16, as to which the date is March 8,
1996, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of
American Shared Hospital Services included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended December 31, 1995, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
    
 
                                            ERNST & YOUNG, LLP
 
   
October 14, 1996
    
Walnut Creek, California