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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1


                          CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-XXXXX) pertaining to the Summit Care Corporation Stock Option Plan
of our report dated August 19, 1996, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedule of Summit Care Corporation included in its Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended June 30, 1996, filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.

                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Los Angeles, California
June 13, 1997